Kos and Soreca in the City Hall: EU secures funds for Ars Aevi Museum

(Patria) - European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos attended the official launch of the Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art construction project in Sarajevo today at the City Hall. The construction of the Ars Aevi Museum is financed by the European Union with 4.1 million euros, and co-financed by Italy and France, demonstrating strong support for the cultural sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the 'Team Europe' approach.

The new Ars Aevi Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, a renowned world architect, is the most ambitious cultural and development project for contemporary art in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has the potential to become a significant cultural landmark of Sarajevo. The museum aims to become an innovative center for contemporary art, hosting national and international artists, exhibitions, and educational programs.

"Ars Aevi is a symbol of solidarity. Artists from all over the world have donated their works, and now it is time for this collection to get its rightful home – a world-class museum. I am very proud that the EU is supporting this project. We want it to become a major cultural attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a tool for continuing to build bridges between the major cities of this country," stated Commissioner Kos.

At the project launch event, the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative Ambassador Luigi Soreca, and the Head of the UNESCO Office in BiH Siniša Šešum, signed an agreement securing financial funds for the construction.

"The European Union has been and remains our strong partner and great support. Thank you to Commissioner Kos for the visit and that confirmation. We see our future in the European Union, and Sarajevo, as the capital city, has a special role and responsibility to achieve that goal," said Mayor Avdić, emphasizing that with the construction of the Ars Aevi Museum, Sarajevo will gain a unique museum quarter, and the collection of 150 works by leading contemporary artists from around the world will finally have its permanent home.

The ceremony of signing the Agreement was also attended by the Mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality Benjamina Karić, as the City of Sarajevo, precisely during her mandate, initiated this initiative and began joint cooperation with the Government of Sarajevo Canton on the realization of the construction project of the "Ars Aevi" Museum building. The Municipality of Novo Sarajevo then issued a building permit in record time, further contributing to the dynamic realization of this significant cultural project.

The construction of the Ars Aevi Museum is part of the broader vision of the EU project EUforCulture, which aims to improve the protection and management of cultural heritage, and to support the development of creative industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ars Aevi is one of five cultural facilities that will be developed through the EUforCulture project, within which the EU has allocated a total of 8.5 million euros for the renovation and construction of cultural infrastructure in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar.

In addition to the Ars Aevi Museum in Sarajevo, the project includes the establishment of a Documentation Center for the Holocaust Museum in Sarajevo, the establishment and construction of a Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries in Banja Luka, the reconstruction of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Republika Srpska, and the rehabilitation of the Mujaga Komadina house in Mostar. Each of these institutions will be equipped with modern tools and digital technologies to improve the management of collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

The EUforCulture project is particularly focused on empowering young and creative professionals. Through training, mentorship, and international cooperation, the project aims to foster the next generation of cultural leaders, encouraging dialogue between artists and the public as a powerful tool for social change.