Our lungs are hurting. From Covid. From pollution. From poison \u2013 exhaust fumes from cars, buses, trucks; tobacco smoke; grime. Our lungs are burning from anxiety, fear, panic. From politics. For some, their lungs are burning from frustration. From hatred. Is there a cure?<\/p>\n
In early December last year, we organised the First Sarajevofest \u2013 Arts and Politics. We began with a modest ambition, however a public reaction to the Festival and media echoes had exceeded our expectations. Works of art (theatre plays, films, concerts), political debates, public forums, mentor workshops with young people from the region had proved to be a \u201chot ticket\u201d in Sarajevo.<\/p>\n
This year, two circumstances have defined the Festival\u2019s format. We were unable to organise Sarajevofest \u201clive\u201d due to a poor epidemiological situation in the BiH capital. Additionally, the outgoing Canton Sarajevo Minister of Culture had decided to punish us for no reason and strip away 80% percent of East West Centre\u2019s funds, although there is not a single gym near the Centre. The unfortunate minister, a sportsperson, had declared previously that he was acquainted with the work of the Children\u2019s Museum, because he had trained in the Museum\u2019s vicinity, \u201cbut to state that I ever visited it would be false\u201d. One might assume that on basis of training near a museum building, he has decided that he should never support it. In our case, he has never even trained near us. Nevertheless, the minister \u201cdanced for only one summer\u201d. The government, in which he just happened to find his spot by chance, has fallen. Ministers come and go, we are here to last.<\/p>\n
This very December, the East West Centre is marking the 15th anniversary of its independent existence and is organising the 2. Sarajevofest \u2013 Arts and Politics from 5th until 14th December 2020. The Festival is divided into three programmes \u2013 Forum, Art Forum and Youth Forum, which will feature fascinating guests. All individual programmes will be available on the website of Sarajevofest \u2013 Arts and Politics 2020.<\/p>\n
Haris Pa\u0161ovi\u0107
\nDirector<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"