The Culture Center in Ulcinj faces numerous, serious problems, but the umbrella cultural institution of the city will not give up its ambition to bring back the audience with quality programs, trying to channel the interests of children and youth in cultural values and to create the best working conditions for employees.
This was said by the director of that institution in an interview for "Vijesti". Adrian Hodža, explaining that inherited debts and numerous lawsuits with former members of the Board of Directors and some employees make the work of the Center difficult.
"In addition, the Cultural Center has serious infrastructure problems due to water intrusion during heavy rains, which we have been facing for years. Since the premises are large and almost every part requires renovation, and we lack staff, it is difficult to arrange everything in a short period of time. Considering our annual budget, possible investments are minimal," said Hodža.
She stated that the renovation of the joint service office is underway.
"After that, we will continue with the procurement of work equipment, computers and the like. When it comes to renovating the Library, we have to raise funds because it is a bigger and more serious investment, which the Center cannot cover on its own."
She reminded of the problem related to the project "Conservation project for the rehabilitation of the building within the Old Town-Ulcinj Museum", the implementation of which has not been completed even after two years, although the contractor has been paid.
It is a project of the office for IPA projects, supported by the Municipality of Ulcinj.
"The implementation of the project began in 2022, while the Center for Culture was neglected, while the consequences of this project are borne by the Center to this day. Although the contractor has been paid the funds stipulated in the contract, the project has not been completed. This is the third tourist season in which the Center operates at a symbolic entrance fee, because the Ethnographic Collection is closed, and the Archaeological Collection was without electricity until the beginning of summer. This situation represents a serious problem for us, and we hope that the project will finally be completed by the end of September".
Hodža said that the Center must have a clear strategy supported by the Municipality as the founder.
"In the future, the projects that are done for the Culture Center should be written jointly in order to avoid mistakes and problems, as was the case with the last project at the Museum. It is essential that culture is treated as a priority. We must be aware that our children are growing up today, and it is tragic that they are growing up without cultural activities. Therefore, the financing of culture is not necessary for the sake of the employees of the Culture Center, but for the sake of our children and citizens".
He believes that the Book Fair, which has traditionally been held every summer for more than two decades, represents the first activity that requires a fundamental change.
"For this activity, the Center must have greater influence as an organizer, because it has all the prerequisites to raise this event to a higher level. As was shown this year with the Summer Scene, which had record attendance and a quality program. After a certain time, everything needs to be refreshed and changed. We must bring new ideas, be original and in step with the times".
She assessed that this year's Summer Scene, with its diverse and high-quality contents, delighted everyone who had the opportunity to attend the programs within the walls of the Old Town and on the Pier.
"This year, the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro announced a public call for applications for various projects. Unlike last year, this year cultural institutions financed by the local self-government had the right to apply. The project of the Center for Culture was related to the festival 'Summer Scene' and received financial support from the Ministry of Culture. Also, the Summer Scene was supported by the Ulcinj Tourist Organization, and it was covered by the funds provided for in the financial plan of the Cultural Center, which are provided for in the budget of the Municipality of Ulcinj for the Cultural Center.
She stated that the Cultural Center will prepare a calendar of cultural activities by the end of the year.
"We will try to bring the highest quality program possible in order to bring back the audience and offer a good option for spending quality free time and enjoying real art. In order to have continuous programs, we must have financial support. As a non-profit cultural institution, we need financial stability, which is difficult to achieve due to the inherited debts that the Center has".
In addition to cultural activities, she added, the plan is to focus on improving working conditions in the Library and Museum.
"By the end of the year, the Culture Center will form a readers' club for children and adults, prepare the legal framework for the establishment of an ensemble of songs and dances, as well as a children's theater, which will act as sections of the Culture Center," announced Hodža.
Variety of "Summer scenes"
Hodža reminded that this year's "Summer Scene" festival began on July 11 at Pristan, with a concert by the National Ensemble of Folk Dances and Songs "Shota" from Kosovo.
After that, on July 30, as part of the Native Museum in the Old Town, "Ahengu Shkodran", a concert of Skadar city music, was held, which was performed by the Cultural Center "Pjeter Gaci" from Shkodra, as well as an exhibition of the painter Xhevdet Spahi from Kosovo. Later in August, there was a concert by tenor Kastriot Tusha and the Baruni brothers from Kruja, in cooperation with the Center for the Preservation and Development of the Culture of Minorities of Montenegro, the opening of Poetic Kalimera and an evening dedicated to the writer Ismail Kadare, who recently passed away.
There were also shows performed by two comedians, Avni Škodra from Gnjilan and Bashkim Alaj from Ulcinj, then the play "Truth", a famous work by the French author Florian Zeller, which is also the most successful play of Teatro Gnjilan, performed more than 60 times so far.
Afterwards, a recital concert by soprano Manjola Nallbani was held on Malja plaža, and sopranos from Ulcinj, Gjylija Pelingu-Hoxha and Egzon Salaj, and the traditional Book Fair were also guests.
During the second evening of the Fair, the promotion of the works of the Italian historian Italo Sarro, who also deals with the history of some areas of Ulcinj, was held. Also, the promotion of the book "Who defends me" by Jelena Jovetić was held.
On the Summer Stage, for the first time in Ulcinj, the famous Montenegrin comedian Andrija Dabanović performed, and a concert of classical music "Trio" was held, with pianist Fatima Buzuka and violinists Blerina Foto and Alba Lagji from Tirana. That night was also combined with the exhibition of the painter Liridona Gjuka-Bogu from Peć, who participated in the collective exhibition in Ulcinj in 1999 when she was only 16 years old.
"The highlight of the Summer Scene was the concert of the famous artist Elina Duni, who lives and works in Switzerland. The combination of traditional and jazz music created a magical night, which will be long remembered for its professionalism, originality and high artistic level", said Hodža, noting that the Summer Stage has no commercial character, and that all content and performances are free and open to the public.
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