THIRD PHASE UNDERWAY: Academy of Performing Arts building under construction for over 15 years

(Patria) - A delegation led by Sarajevo Canton Prime Minister Nihad Uk visited the premises of the Academy of Performing Arts (ASU) in Skenderija, where final works are underway within the third phase of construction.

The delegation included the Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Prof. Dr. Dušanka Bošković, representatives of the Academy led by Dean Faruk Lončarević, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH, Renaud Meyer, with his associates, and the president of the Working Group formed by the KS Government for the continuation of ASU construction and the director of the UNSA Campus Construction and Maintenance Directorate, Lejla Hajro.

After the completion of the remaining minor works within this phase – which include plasterboard and locksmithing works, as well as the installation of ceramic tiles on the ground floor – the procedure for procuring works for the fourth and final phase will be initiated. Upon its completion, the technical acceptance of the building will follow, and it will be fully operational.

The imminent completion of the contract worth 2.6 million convertible marks between UNDP and the contractor will create conditions for the unimpeded continuation of works.

Prime Minister Uk emphasized the Sarajevo Canton Government's commitment to completing this long-awaited project.

"Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the academic community have been waiting for this project for over 15 years. We are doing our best to complete the construction works in the coming year and partially equip the building. If everything goes according to plan, students will welcome the next academic year in these premises," stated Prime Minister Uk, adding that the ASU building will become a unique space for talent development and raising educational standards.

Minister Bošković emphasized the broader significance of the project.

"The Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Youth is following this project with great interest, and we hope for the soon completion of the Academy of Performing Arts building, as it is a very significant facility not only for higher education but also for culture in Sarajevo Canton. We must constantly remind ourselves, as we often overlook the importance of art academies, which are part of the University of Sarajevo, and all that they have contributed to the development of the Canton and the city, and to our recognition, both regionally and internationally. This building is tailored to everything that our artists, who are engaged in this institution, offer, and to whom we will now provide conditions commensurate with their artistic contribution," said Minister Bošković.

UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, Renaud Meyer, emphasized that UNDP is proud to support this transformative project, which will provide future generations of artists and creatives with a space worthy of their talent.

"Thanks to this investment, a center of innovation and creativity is being built that will strengthen the cultural and educational capacity of the entire community. Together with the authorities of Sarajevo Canton, we are working to realize this important vision," Meyer stated.

Although the construction of the Academy of Performing Arts building has been accompanied by challenges inherited from previous phases for a long time, the Sarajevo Canton Government remains determined to overcome all obstacles as soon as possible and put the facility into operation."