Adaptation of the Belgrade department store into a Modern gallery would considerably change downtown. The result would be a real art district in the center of the city, encompassing a Library, City theater, and so on, said in the interview for Dnevne novine, culture secretary, Ms Ana Medigović.
The dispute over the ownership of the former Belgrade Department store has finally been settled in favor of the Capital and, according to Ms Medigović, it is possible that these premises will be adapted for the purposes of Modern gallery.
“For now, it’s just an idea. It is first necessary to check whether it is possible at all. We’ll consult experts, people dealing with projections of gallery premises and see if there are conditions for that. If there are conditions, it will be great”, said Ms Medigović.
Since she assumed the function of culture secretary, Ms Medigović has spent most of her time trying to identify the shortcomings and the advantages of local culture and what areas require intervention.
“I have great trust in the Capital City administration, Mayor, Mr Ivan Vuković and his deputies. They give me support for the implementation of new initiatives”, said Ms Medigović.
Lack of money is usually the main problem when it comes to culture. However, Ms Medigović thinks it is not necessarily so.
“For high-quality programs, money shouldn’t be an obstacle, and I believe there are always initiatives that are affordable but produce a very powerful effect. I’ll remind of a New Year market – with very little money, a lot was achieved”, pointed out Ms Medigović.
She proudly talks about being part of the organization of this year’s Podgorica Cultural Summer.
“It’s a complex program, that takes over 70 days. It required making plans in the domain of literature, theater, music or fine arts. We made excellent cooperation with embassies and it was a very successful project. It was followed by the 65th International Book Fair which looked just like an event of that kind deserves to look”, said Ms Medigović.
She touched on numerous staff changes in institutions and the fact that the city culture has been “rejuvenated”.
“What our culture lacked is the young, “fresh blood“. All the programs we’ve implemented so far were aimed at that target group“, points out Ms Medigović.
Ms Medigović points out that, despite numerous problems, city theater has been functioning very well.
Adapted house of Risto Stijović is currently being equipped and legate artists are going to move in soon. “Art” gallery was planned to be extended. As agreed with the Mayor, this space will be adapted for the needs of young artists and academy students.
