The project participant: Aska & the Wolf
Name of the project: The Giving Tree Table
What’s the heart of your project?
Aska & the Wolf created The Giving Tree Table concept to raise awareness about illegal and excessive deforestation in Serbia and inspire positive change.
The Giving Tree Table project repurposes illegally cut tree remnants into an artistic piece of furniture. This year we brought a massive 4-ton tree stump from a grove that, sadly, no longer exists, cleared entirely due to economic pressures. We are transforming this powerful symbol into The Giving Tree Table, in collaboration with local designers, artists, engineers, craftsmen, and environmental enthusiasts.
What’s something you’re really proud of achieving so far (with your project inside Collab 4 HySUST CCI)?
We are proud to share that our The Giving Tree Table project has been awarded the GOLDEN KEY Award at the 2024 Belgrade Furniture Fair – one of the most prestigious events in the SEE region.
Recognized in the category of Innovative Fair Presence and Raising Awareness about Environmental Challenges, this award celebrates everything we stand for: innovation and a commitment to environmental responsibility in both design and consumption. We are deeply honored to receive such meaningful recognition.
Where do you see your project heading next?
From the outset, we envisioned this project as multidisciplinary, promoting collaboration and fostering a sense of belonging among young people. Our next goal is to engage final-year students from the Faculties of Applied Arts, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Dramatic Arts, and Forestry in collaborative efforts alongside traditional craftsmen. Together, we aim to cultivate a new generation of hybrid craftspeople who combine design, art, craftsmanship, technology, and science.
What do you think is the most valuable thing that the Collab 4 HySUST CCI project has brought to you?
This project has provided an invaluable opportunity, particularly during the Knowledge Sharing Sessions, to connect with fellow participants across Europe, exchange meaningful ideas and insights, and, most importantly, broaden our understanding of best practices. It was also reassuring to realize that we are not alone in our struggles, and that others face similar challenges. Together, we are learning and demonstrating that these challenges can be overcome.
From your experience participating in the Collab 4 Hy Sust CCI project, what advice would you give to organizations similar to yours?
We sincerely recommend participating in projects like this, as they can help you stay true to your mission of inspiring the next generation. Work like this has the power to transform communities and foster a sustainable future.
Walking into the unknown isn’t easy, but have faith, ask for help, embrace mistakes and challenges, learn and bravely try new ways, and keep going – you can do it.
Would you like to add something?
Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić concluded his 1953 short story, Aska and the Wolf, with these powerful words that inspire our work and guide us in our journey: “… art and the will to resist prevail over all evils, even death itself.”
So if you’re striving to make a positive impact on society and the environment, collaborate with artists 🙂
