Opportunities and potential
In the context of increased EU support of creative collaborations with the region, there are areas of existing potential to build on and ideas for development
The Western Balkans, as troubled as their history and geopolitics may be, have existing formal and informal creative networks that could benefit from more investment and longer-term development. Collaboration with other museums in the region is often part of institutional policy but geopolitical challenges can hinder travel and participation.
Art is a powerful tool for development and reconciliation and could be exploited more. In this vein, Western Balkans collaboration is an area ripe with creative potential. Two areas of opportunity identified are the potential for inter-institutional lending and joint programming, which could support such a transformation of regional networking and cooperation.
From a gender equality perspective, the creative economy in the Western Balkans is full of women who are making provocative and inspiring art. Some may not be able to make a living from it, but they are there. The independent contemporary art scene was suggested to be dominated by female artists, whose work is nonetheless rarely exhibited or incorporated into museum collections. Perceptions was an opportunity to create new and much-needed connections between museums and local female artists in the wider creative sphere, with some artists being exhibited for the first time despite having international careers.
The professionals I spoke to in the Western Balkans are open, honest and ready for collaboration. They have experience and confidence in working with controversial contemporary topics, and are versed in managing the controversy that can follow.
Areas for collaboration and development
- Improving museum standards and creating a curator’s network where good practice can be exchanged.
- Developing art markets in each Western Balkan state through art fairs, pop-up stores, and professionalisation of traditional craft skills. Creating interdependent art markets within the Western Balkans to encourage dialogue and exchange, as well as facilitating growth in international reputation and attractiveness for investment.
- Developing touring exhibitions and inter-organisational commissioning and lending.
- Prizes are a traditional way to reward active contemporary artists, and in particular, an opportunity to raise awareness of female artists and those exploring social themes. The jury should be representative, transparently selected and high-level and the judging criteria and decision-making processes should be openly communicated.
View the whole series, Creative Collaboration in the Western Balkans
