At the initiative of media and performance artist Branko Milisković, in cooperation with the Saša Marchet Foundation, we continued a series of talks in the historical building of the Balkan Cinema.
The fourth conversation was held between the curator of the Subotica Contemporary Gallery, Nela Tonković, and Branko Milisković, on April 29. This was a conversation, not only between a worker in culture and an independent artist, but also a very important relationship between creators of works of art and institutions of culture and art.
The discussion raised some essential questions, such as the purchase of contemporary works of art, the relationship between public and private collections, the challenges of purchasing and preserving works of ephemeral art, the relationship of the state to contemporary cultural heritage, and more. There was also talk about how public collections are developing today, the politics of acquisition of works of art and their “life” as part of collections and cultural heritage.
There was also talk about the importance of art, artists and cultural institutions in modern society, whether and in what way they can influence social changes.
This initiative aims to establish a public conversation as a platform for understanding the position of independent artists; through the use of dialogue in the research and recording of problems that arise from administrative, professional to the regulation of competition policy and equal rights.
The foundation strives to empower artists to share their observations and challenges, especially those related to the existential consequences and possibilities of creative work in an environment that is not always directed towards understanding. This conversation is based on creating a context that will contribute to building respect for individuals who create and take responsibility for their independence in the name of the common good, as precious and exceptional witnesses of the times in which we live. Bioskop Balkan – a space for contemporary art, also has an obligation to take responsibility and put the current narrative in the center of attention, offering solutions instead of further deepening the misunderstanding of different actors in culture.
Cinematographer/Editor: Novak Đorđević
Director of the Foundation: Ksenija Samardžija
Operational assistant: Dea Džanković
Production: Bioskop Balkan, 2025