Another promise to move the Montenegrin Cinematheque, the Film Center and the Music Center into the building of the former Army Home in Podgorica failed.
Although they promised that the three cultural institutions would move into the building on the shore of Ribnica by the end of March, the Public Works Administration now points out that only the reconstruction will be completed by that time.
"After finishing the furnishing of the building and the work on the interior, the procedure of the technical inspection of the building will follow," the Administration, headed by Rešad Nuhodžić, told "News".
For example, at the end of May 2017, the administration signed a contract worth EUR 4,5 million with the Podgorica company "Simes saga" for interior design, stage, audio and video technology and equipment for cultural institutions.
"Vijesti" asked the Ministry of Culture and three cultural institutions when the move-in is expected. However, instead of an answer, there was a reference to each other.
The Music Center referred the journalist to the relevant Ministry of Culture. However, the Ministry instructed the journalist that he can get an answer from the "Public Works Administration, which coordinates these activities".
The "Vijesti" source, who is familiar with the situation, said that the move-in could take place at the end of April or in May.
"But it was postponed so many times, that I would not be surprised if it was extended again," he said.
The contract on the reconstruction of the Army House was signed by the Ministry of Culture and the then Directorate of Public Works at the end of 2008.
According to the announcements, everything was supposed to be finished in 2012.
In the meantime, the promises of the Ministry and the Administration about the imminent move-in of the three institutions came every now and then, and the penultimate failed move-in was in June/July, and the last one at the end of March.
The building has two floors, a basement, a ground floor and three floors, with a total area of slightly more than 10.500 square meters.
For the needs of the Music Center, a large concert hall with 440 seats and a small one with 190 seats, rehearsal rooms for symphony and folk orchestras, as well as rooms for performers were promised.
Among other things, depots for archiving films and video materials and screening rooms are intended for the Montenegrin Cinematheque.
The film center will use the halls and accompanying facilities of the mentioned institutions.
The building will also contain common areas, such as an artists' club, a restaurant and more.
"By putting the former Army Home into operation, we will not only get a representative and modern building, but opportunities will open up for the improvement of cultural offerings, the production of new artistic programs, significantly better use of cultural capacities and its sustainability, as well as for international cooperation and exchange," he said. Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović told MPs last spring.
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