Speaking about the power of the arts, experiencing a series of powerful performances from the region, listening to young curators’ questions and professional proposals of formats and models that help close the gap between East and West Europe. It is all part of the SarajevoFest, this year under the banner of ‘Sekularna Držav’.

 At the invitation of its director Haris Pašović, an international group of programmers and performing arts professionals from across Europe had the chance to enjoy several high-level international productions and co-productions presented during the SarajevoFest. Tamar Brüggemann, Kathrin Deventer, Georga Papageorgioua, Geoliane Arab, Sonju Damjanović, Marko Bratuša, Maju Salkić, and Senada Alihodžića participated in the panel discussion "Balkan Theatre Contribution to the European Theatre" moderated by Ivan Medenica, Critic, Theatre Scholar and Professor at the Arts Academy in Belgrade. Formats of internationalisation including showcases, festivals and co-productions (funded by Creative Europe) but also networks, community building and national schemes supporting regional development such as the ones offered by ONDA were discussed. The conversation touched upon what works and does not work, acknowledging the ongoing challenge of lack of public investment in the arts across the Balkans.

Take5* continues its presentation journey. Following Brussels’ pre-première and a presentation organised within the scope of Aveiro 2024 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, EFA’s documentary by Film Director Stefan Arsenijevic was part of the SarajevoFest programme. What is European culture if there is any? What is the role of an artist in a world full of complex challenges? What are the thoughts of 5 thought-provoking artists and 2 politicians on Europe’s colonial past and how do we deal with it in today’s public sphere? These are some of the questions Take5* put on the table and offered for discussion to the audience in Sarajevo. 

Audiences and guests of this year’s SarajevoFest will go home inspired, puzzled, moved, happy…by the city that our host Haris Pašović introduced the international delegation to again through his unique lenses of community and performances of great directors from the region (see the entire programme here). We remain with the wish and hunger to come back next year. SarajevoFest will continue until Sunday 22 September, included.

Kathrin Deventer