Selma Selman studied painting at the Fine Arts Academy in Banja Luka. She then received her Master of Fine Arts in Transmedia Visual and Performing Arts from Syracuse University in New York. Selma Selman's works have been shown in numerous exhibitions in Europe and the USA. She uses the proceeds from her art to fund her 'Get the heck back to School' program, which provides scholarships for Roma girls to finish elementary school in Bihac.
Tristan RÖSLER c/o SHOTVIEW A.M. photographed the artist for the 'Raw Issue' of LAMPPON magazine.
"In 2017, I established a foundation for education of Roma girls - raising their graduation rate from 15% to 95% in her home town Bihać. Beginning with 5 children in 2017, in school year 2019/20 the fund provides scholarships for 12 and school meal for 45 children. Project "Marš u školu" / "Get the Heck back to school" aims to provide scholarship and school meals to Bihać Roma community children, however, primarily girls.
Through fundraising events and sale of my artistic work, I personally financed and directed the program since 2017 and have supported over 50 students to date. Providing direct financial support to children, the project encourages them to complete primary school but also assists families which otherwise would make their children work alongside their parents.
The project targets girls particularly, as traditional Roma communities would favor investments in boys’ education, as well as aims to eliminate the practice of early marriages which often prevent further education. Well accepted in the community, the project affects the perception of the value of education and aims to improve the life of the collective, not only targeted children." Selma Selman, Artist and founder 'Get the Heck back to school'.
GoSee : selmanselma.com
