No matter where in the world – there are few artists who can sit back and relax because they can make a good, carefree living from their art. What is it like in economically weaker countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina? Let’s start with the good news: the art scene is diverse and very active.

Some artists are also known outside the country’s borders and have grown to become internationally renowned. And most of them leave the country to create their works in other countries. The reason is simple: elsewhere, one is not at the mercy of the complicated political system, which also influences the cultural sector. And some use this privilege to help their homeland from afar.

Nevertheless, there are quite a few talented and unique artists who do not leave their home country and continue to work there, even if people predicted an international career for them.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a complicated political system that affects social and cultural life. These are not good conditions for artists in general. But the mission of the artist is to speak to souls. If I manage to encourage the soul of a viewer to do good with one of my works, I have accomplished my mission.”

Adis Lukac, Sculptor and painter

Danube Connects sent five artists from different fields five identical questions. The answers were diverse, surprising and very different. But they all agreed on some points. Yes, Bosnia-Herzegovina is not an easy country for an artist because of the political situation, but it is also this initial situation that increases creativity. Their respective art sends messages to the souls of people inside and outside the country’s borders. Their common mission: to shake viewers and listeners awake through their works and to encourage them to do better.

“Being an artist in Bosnia and Herzegovina is like driving over a cobblestone road with many challenges and uncertainties, but it’s also a great privilege. Through my work, I try to give women the freedom and courage to be authentic and recognizable.”

Amira Pertesi, Designer

From Inferno to Paradiso – whether sculptor, musician, actor – they are all ambassadors and voices for a better future for Europe. Is it not precisely crises from which the Phoenix rises like from the ashes?

Originally, we were planning a continuous text with the respective quotes. But the answers are so inspiring and encouraging that we decided to publish a quote from each artist in the magazine. The entire interviews are available on our website: www.danube-connects.eu/culture

“Outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am often perceived as a traditional artist and within its borders as someone who breaks with this conservative status quo. I swim between these two poles and find unexpected moments in tradition, which I like to emphasize.”

Damir Imamovic, Singer

“I didn’t shoot in Bosnia and Herzegovina for ten years despite quite a few offers. Either the roles or the fees didn’t suit me. You have to be true to yourself and refuse everything that you know is not for you. Don’t sell yourself short. Until then, live every day as if it were your last. Maybe it is.”

Fedja Stukan, Hollywood actor,
bestselling author and passionate pilot

“In Bosnia and Herzegovina, all opposites have extreme dimensions: Sadness and joy, sorrow and pleasure, success and failure. I would not call myself an artist. I pass my energy through the instrument to tell stories that are currently in my life, hoping that they will inspire listeners.”

Ivana Djuric, Musician