When graphic designers Kruna Jevtić and Luka Prstojević first sat down to brainstorm their latest project, before presenting it to the Council of Europe since commissioning it, they knew it needed to be more than just art. It had to speak- clearly, boldly, and without borders. And to speak words of tolerance, respect and equality in line with the commitment of the Organisation to ‘strengthening work towards inclusive societies without marginalisation, exclusion, racism and intolerance.’ (United around our values - Reykjavík declaration 2023). 

“We started putting ideas on paper and one sketch stood out- merging letterforms to create the illusion that the words visually blend into each other, forming a whole. The concept naturally developed from there. Tolerance and the fight against hatred cannot exist without love, truth, and justice,” says Kruna.

What began as a few sketched lines on paper soon turned into a towering mural that now graces the walls of Belgrade’s Silosi cultural centre, delivering a powerful message promoting equality and speaking against hatred. The mural was unveiled on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, organised under the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe  “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkiye”, and in partnership with the UN country team in Serbia.

“As graphic designers, our job is to clearly convey messages through visuals,” Kruna explains. “Good design knows no language or cultural barriers. Here, we were limited by the requirement to include specific terms in written form on the mural. But that also made things easier- we knew part of the final solution from the start.” Indeed, words like “justice,” “freedom,” “truth,” and “tolerance” aren’t just decorative- they make the essence of their artwork.

Kruna sees street art as a vital part of urban life, particularly today: “Especially in a time of social media and the popularity of posing in front of colourful surfaces. It only takes one person to stop and read what’s written on a wall and reflect on the idea and message it carries. Murals are a great way to raise awareness about an issue as a large surface is much harder to ignore.”

Beyond the visual, the message of the mural resonates with Kruna on a personal level. “Justice and freedom are concepts I’ve been thinking about a lot lately,” she says. “The current state of the world surely wouldn’t be what it is if people were guided by the words we wrote on that wall. If we were all led by love and tolerance- instead of selfishness and greed.”

For her, the entire mural experience was unforgettable, from sketching, to swinging in the crane, to unveiling the mural: "The whole process was incredibly positive.” She often visits events at Silosi with friends, and she always feels joy when she sees someone standing in front of the mural, trying to read the words. Kruna hopes her journey will inspire others, especially young creatives who want to use their voice for something meaningful. “No matter what, always choose to do what fulfills you and what you love,” she says.

To fellow artists, she also offers a word of encouragement: “Apply to every interesting open call, project, or workshop. There’s always a chance your work will end up in an exciting place, that you’ll meet new people, or have unforgettable experiences.”

In a world where divisive and hateful messages are widespread, Kruna believes in the power of art to offer an alternative and to lend a hand- one that invites reflection, connection, and change. And now, her words, layered into the very bricks of the Silosi mural, do exactly that- quietly urging passersby to stop, read, and rethink their relation with others. To make our societies more just, equal and respectful.

The mural painting and organisation of the event were supported through the action "Combating discrimination and promoting diversity in Serbia", which is part of the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye", in partnership with the United Nations Country Team in Serbia.