Kotor hosts European elite: KotorArt presents the city's cultural heritage and artistic identity

Kotor yesterday hosted part of the European Festivals Association (EFA) Summit program, which this year, from May 16 to 19, is being held in Budva, organized by the Budva City of Theatre festival.

As a member of the EFA network and one of the leading art festivals in the region, KotorArt actively participated in the summit, and the arrival of representatives of European and world festivals in Montenegro was an opportunity for the Festival to host them in Kotor and present the rich cultural heritage and artistic identity of the city.

Delegates from numerous countries and partner festivals were welcomed by the Kotor City Music 1842, the oldest city ensemble in Montenegro, whose sounds symbolically opened the encounter with a city with a rich history and strong artistic tradition.

After visiting the Kotor Museum and presenting the work of the City Music and the Children's Theatre, the delegates also visited the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, where they learned about the program of the Tollite Portas early music festival, organized by the Diocese of Kotor.

At the Creative Hub, guests were welcomed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Kotor Vladimir Jokic and director of KotorArta Ratimir Martinović.

"KotorArt is an exceptional example of how cultural heritage, especially that which we cherish in Kotor as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be lived and interpreted through art and culture," said Jokić, emphasizing the importance of such meetings for connecting, exchanging experiences and strengthening cooperation between artists, festivals and cultural institutions from across Europe and the world.

KotorArt Director Ratimir Martinović expressed his satisfaction that Kotor has the opportunity to host prominent representatives of the international festival scene, emphasizing that it is precisely these kinds of meetings that open up space for new partnerships and additional international positioning of the city and the Festival.

The development director of KotorArt spoke about the development and program activities of the Festival. Sara Mandic, recalling that since its founding in 2002, the Festival has grown into one of the most significant artistic platforms in the region, recognized for its contemporary and interdisciplinary approach to culture.

The evening concluded with a concert by the Chinese ensemble Simple Neoclassical Electric Band at the Museum Square, which gave an energetic and attractive performance to a large audience. The concert was also attended by a high-ranking delegation from the partner China Shanghai International Arts Festival, the largest arts festival in Asia.

The great atmosphere, the packed square and the strong reactions of the audience once again showed that Kotor naturally connects different cultures, artistic expressions and international encounters.