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Sarajevo “Sarajevo Winter” receives international support for 26th edition

23 February 2010

The International Festival Sarajevo “Sarajevo Winter” is a traditional meeting place for artists and citizens from all over the world. The 26th edition takes place from 7 until 28 February 2010. The diverse programme ranges from visual and performing arts to music and theatre, from workshops and literary gatherings to children’s activities and film. In 2010, the “Sarajevo Winter” Festival opens the gates of the city of Sarajevo to the artists, audience and media in search of the answer to the question WHAT NOW? In times of crisis the festival explores the essence of the role of artist in contemporary world. Thousands of participants of the 26th International “Sarajevo Winter” Festival can find inspiration for their creativity. “Anyone who knows me will know that I am a wholeheartedly committed European, and I am therefore deeply convinced that it is only through culture that Europe can grow together in peace. This festival is a contribution to that. Here musicians, literary figures, artists, filmmakers and theatre practitioners from all over Europe and throughout the world meet together in a broad intercultural dialogue. Sarajevo reflects a piece of living Europe during these days,” says Doris Pack, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education in the European Parliament, in her speech during the opening ceremony of the festival on 7 February in Sarajevo. In her speech during the opening, EFA Secretary General Kathrin Deventer, that the “Sarajevo Winter” Festival “has always been a strong contributor to EFA’s mission and projects. In its quest to engage artists and citizens in the reconstruction of Sarajevo into a free and open city, a crossroad of cultures and civilizations, the Festival has made remarkable achievements that are exemplary for all EFA members and festivals in the world.” Also Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, expressed his support: “This important international festival that has become a symbol of artistic freedom and creativity, bringing together artists and citizens from around the world, is of great interest to the European Parliament. Our Institution strongly supports artistic events dedicated to peace, exchange of experiences and intercultural dialogue. The dialogue between cultures being in addition, one of the priorities of the European Parliament, it is with great pleasure that I lend my patronage to your event.” In the course of 25 years of its existence, the festival has become an inseparable part of the city life. The “Sarajevo Winter” Festival was not prevented from taking place even in the times of war, and has become a symbol of freedom of creativity and a place for familiarizing with diverse cultures and civilizations. Find out more in the festival publication!