Strong bags for Strong Social Changes

People in creative industries have the unique ability to shape perceptions and inspire change, making it their responsibility to influence the world positively.

Irina Tosheva embodies this ethos by actively collaborating with youth organizations and NGOs, focusing on raising awareness about the importance of including vulnerable and marginalized groups in society. A key example of her work is the partnership with the street magazine “Lice v Lice” (Face to Face) and Knauf, where she designed durable canvas bags made from repurposed concrete bags.

This initiative involved a workshop with vulnerable youth from the Shuto Orizari day care center, one of the poorest Roma communities in Macedonia. Through this workshop, Tosheva emphasized the importance of craftsmanship as a valuable skill for generating income and developing work habits.

To further elevate the project, Tosheva enlisted ten local artists, illustrators, and designers—including Flim, Ruki Chuki, Ind Og, Design and Berries, Nina Simovska, Omajgad, The Micho, Em Elephantski, Drash & Machka—to create unique designs for a special limited edition of the bags. These were sold under the slogan “Strong Bags for Strong Social Changes” as a sustainable alternative to plastic bags, distributed by “Lice v Lice” vendors.

The product launch coincided with the celebration of the magazine’s 16th issue, themed around partnerships for positive social change. The limited edition bags sold out within 30 minutes at the event, marking the initiative’s success in both raising awareness and driving tangible impact.