BARDAČA ART COLONY HOSTS ARTISTS FROM EUROPE AND ASIA

SRBAC, JULY 2 /SRNA/ – Thirty-four artists from 13 countries are taking part in the 43rd International Fine Arts and Ecology Colony "Bardača–Srbac 2026," being held at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Training Center in Bardača.

During the seven-day event, the artists are creating works inspired by this year's theme, "Flight Above Silence". The best pieces will become part of the colony's permanent collection, which now comprises 772 artworks. The participants were visited by Srbac Mayor Mlađan Dragosavljević and Deputy Mayor Vladimir Gužvić, who met with the artists and viewed the works created during the colony. Radovan Mitraković, director of the Srbac Center for Culture and Sports, said the colony continues to gain international recognition each year, noting that this year's gathering has brought together artists from several countries across Europe and Asia, including Turkiye, Russia, India, Taiwan, Georgia, Croatia and North Macedonia. He added that new programs will be introduced next year as the colony gradually evolves into an international art symposium. Mitraković also said an initiative has been launched inviting foreign artists to send messages in their native languages supporting the preservation and restoration of the Bardača area. Dragosavljević said the colony plays an important role in promoting Srbac and its natural heritage, adding that its quality is best reflected by the fact that many artists return year after year, while first-time participants are already expressing their intention to come back. Among this year's participants is Montenegrin academic painter Jelena Vušurović, a long-time attendee of the colony, who said she considers Bardača her second home. "I feel like a host here. Every visit to Republika Srpska is special to me, and this colony is above all about bringing people together and creating friendships from which valuable works of art emerge. My painting depicts a fallen angel who, despite every trial, remains strong and ready for a new flight," Vušurović said. Running alongside the colony is a Painting School for Children and Youth, with 11 students taking part this year. The closing exhibition of works created during this year's International Fine Arts and Ecology Colony "Bardača–Srbac 2026" will open tomorrow at the Rajko Petković City Gallery in Srbac. Part of the exhibition will also be displayed outdoors in front of the gallery.