Young artists to meet at biennale in Skopje

The biennale aims to strengthen cooperation among ministries, municipalities, institutions and cultural associations of the Mediterranean to promote international dialogue, peaceful relations and creativity among the youth of the region.
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During the 10-day event, promoted by the International Association for the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean, or BJCEM, founded in July 2001 in Sarajevo, Skopje will receive up to 700 young artists as part of the biennale. The creations of artists from 46 countries will be exhibited in public spaces in the city, which will become a melting pot for intercultural dialogue.

The theme of the festival is “Seven Gates,” requiring artists to take inspiration from the ancient legend of the city of Skopje. According to the legend, the seven gates of the city now stand where the features of the face of a giant once stood, its eyes, nose, mouth and ears.

Most important event
The Biennale is considered the most important Mediterranean event to promote creativity among young people, presenting works of artists from 18 to 30 years, in the fields of the arts, architecture, comics, film, video-art, graphic and industrial art, fashion, photography, literature, gastronomy, music, theatre, dance and urban performance-art. Since its foundation in 1985, the Biennial has taken place in Barcelona, Thessaloniki, Bologna, Marseille, Valencia, Lisbon, Turin, Rome, Sarajevo, Athens and Naples. This year in Skopje 2009, artists will play a leading role in presenting new and interesting projects to the public.

For further information on the history of the biennale, the BJCEM Association or the Biennale of Skopje 2009, visit www.bjcem.org.