CRO-ArT: Contemporary Art Festival
CRO-ArT Festival came to life in June 2020, in the middle of pandemic, as a rebellion to the hopeless situation arts have found themselves in. Due to unpredictable circumstances, audience was present virtually, as the concerts were live streamed from Vienna. With a mission to present the contemporary art - music, literature and visual arts - as a relevant and enriching part of Viennese and international culture, the inaugural edition was connected to the closing of Croatian presidency of the EU Council 2020 and was Supported by European, Croatian and Austrian institutions.
In the centre of the Festival are the connections of Austria and Croatia, historic and contemporary, shown in the music presented, as well as by the artists performing, telling personal yet globally relevant stories. Contemporary Croatian composers (living in Croatia and Austria), together with some of the greatest names in Croatian music history and their Austrian colleagues, were presented in the first edition through three thematic concerts by WISE & Friends under Andrea Nikolic’s leadership. A Panel discussion broadened festival’s concept by creating socially relevant discussions on interdisciplinary art and its role in the world today.
Festival now connects and presents global artists and art, including rarely performed and marginalised musics on a global scale.
With a new thematic concept being developed every year, CRO-ArT is looking forward to expanding into interesting new directions, connecting the cultures through art and presenting them to the world in a timely and innovative way.
In 2024 festival will have its little jubilee - celebrating the fifth edition from April to June in diverse historic and contemporary venues of Vienna.
“Courageously passing all the obstacles, in circumstances that might be seen as impossible to many, (Andrea Nikolic & WISE) created an excellent project of an exceptional quality and value.”
— Cantus, 2020
Presentation / Introduction
The first edition, held fully online, began with a short festival presentation in the beautiful residence of the Croatian Embassy in Vienna, with kind support of H.E. Daniel Gluncic, the ambassador. Andrea Nikolic, Stipe Bilic, Ivana Nikolic, and Josipa Bainac presented the mission of the festival and a selection of music that was going to be performed in the upcoming concerts.
CRO-ArT NOW: A Premiere
First concert of the festival is exploring the Viennese connections. Striving to answer the questions and deeper meaning of home and homeland, as for many of the artists, performers and composers alike, Austrian capital - Vienna - was, or still is, a chosen home. Music by Margareta Ferek Petrić, Davorin Kempf, Berislav Šipuš, Antun Tomislav Šaban, Ante Čagalj, as well by giants of the 20th century Boris Papandopulo and Božidar Kunc. A special treat: the lady of Croatian Moderne, legendary Dora Pejačević.
CRO-ArT IS: Stories, Words, Songs
Connections of life: the text of the Austrian National Anthem was written by Paula von Preradović, daughter of Petar Preradović - a significant Croatian writer. The musical journey of the second concert is taking us to Franjo Krezma, who like Preradovic studied in Vienna, then Rudolf Matz, Boris Papandopulo, Emil Cossetto and finally to contemporary Austrian and Croatian composers: Akos Banlaky, Laura Mjeda Cuperjani, Margareta Ferek Petric, Tomislav Uhlik. Beautiful versatility: from traditional music (sevdalinka, ethnic and sephardic songs) to fully contemporary musical language.
CRO-ArT IS: Panel Discussion
Contemporary music and literature in the global context. With Stipe Bilić (Pianist, WISE) Margareta Ferek Petrić (composer, artistic director of Zagreb Biennale) Andrea Nikolić, Ana Šoretić (writer), Akos Banlaky (composer) Zdenka Weber (musicologist, diplomat), Maša Kolanović (writer), Frančeska Liebmann (writer). Moderation: Alexandra Nagy (journalist), Olja Janjuš (composer, musicologist)
CRO-ArT TO BE: Fearless Dances and Songs
Final concert CRO-ArT TO BE: Fearless Dances and Songs is connecting the whole festival in a coherent story. From traditional songs, through tango and folklore, to Avantgarde. Music by Mireia Ivicevic, Lana Janjanin, M. Ferek Petric, L. Mjeda Cuperjani, Davor Bobbie, Mladen Tarbuk. A fearless look into a brighter future, courageously pushing the boundaries and passing the obstacles, believing strongly in our artistic mission.
