"SEMBERIJA DAYS" TO BE HELD IN VIENNA, GRAZ AND TULLN NEXT WEEK

VIENNA, SEPTEMBER 15 /SRNA/ - The "Semberija Days in Austria" event, which will present the rich cultural heritage, contemporary artistic production, economic potential and local products of this part of Republika Srpska to Austrian audiences and representatives of institutions and the business community, will be held in three Austrian cities from Tuesday to Sunday, September 22 to 27.

BiH Ambassador to Austria Siniša Bencun told SRNA that Semberija has great economic potential and quality local products that should be promoted as much as possible in order to reach regional markets, which is one of the goals of the "Semberija Days in Austria" event, to be held in Vienna, Graz and Tulln. "Semberija has many small producers who need support to place their products on regional markets, so this event is a great opportunity for them to connect and exchange experiences with businesspeople in Austria, as well as to strengthen ties with the numerous diaspora in that country," Bencun said. Bencun noted that Semberija also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and that numerous artists, artistic groups and local products will be presented on the occasion. "Vienna is known as a capital of culture and classical music. Art speaks a universal language, and it will be our pleasure to present Semberija’s rich folk tradition, music, painting and other forms of art to the Viennese audience," Bencun stressed. Head of the Republika Srpska Representative Office in Austria Mladen Filipović said that the event is an opportunity to present Semberija in Austria in a comprehensive manner - through culture and art, but also through its economy and potential for future cooperation. "We want to show through this event how rich Semberija is in terms of its cultural and economic potential, but also to further connect Semberija’s institutions, businesspeople and residents with Austria," Filipović said. Filipović noted that it is particularly important that the event also has a humanitarian dimension, because, as he said, cultural and economic cooperation has its full meaning when it simultaneously contributes to the wider community. The event will open on September 22 in Vienna with a ceremonial academy, while a business breakfast is planned for Wednesday, September 23, dedicated to connecting businesspeople and institutions and improving economic cooperation. An exhibition by academic painter Natalija Cimeša and photographer Dejan Čabrilo will also open in Vienna that day, while products from Semberija will be presented through a promotion and tasting. A special place in the programme is occupied by Semberija’s musical tradition, which will be uniquely presented by accordionists Đorđe Perić and Dušan Sekulić with their band, as well as the "Srbadija" Serbian Choir and the "Semberija" Serbian Cultural and Artistic Society from Bijeljina. The event is organized by the Republika Srpska Representative Office in Austria, the BiH Embassy in Austria and the "Semberija" Cultural Centre from Bijeljina.