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“Mediterranean” University Podgorica, Institute for Science, Culture and Art (ISCA), in partnership with the Nikšić European Capital of Culture 2030 Office, is organizing an international conference – symposium ARSUM26, entitled “Culture in Action: Empowering Cities, Involving People, Measuring Impact”, which will be held on May 14, 2026, at IPC Tehnopolis in Nikšić.The conference brings together international and regional experts from the fields of culture, art, social sciences and public policies, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experiences on the role of culture in the development of sustainable and inclusive communities. Special focus will be on the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, which is held by the city of Nikšić. The program of the symposium includes topics such as the democratization of culture, strengthening the capacity of cultural institutions and communities, as well as monitoring and measuring the impact of cultural projects. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about contemporary models of participatory management in culture, as well as the experiences of previous European capitals of culture. The event will be opened by representatives of the Municipality of Nikšić and the organizers, followed by thematic sessions and discussions with distinguished lecturers from the region and Europe. A special segment will be devoted to the evaluation of projects within the European Capital of Culture initiative and their impact on the quality of life in urban areas. The “Open City” concept, which earned Nikšić the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, is at the very center of the conference. This concept implies the development of cities as spaces of creativity, cooperation and knowledge exchange, with the active participation of citizens, artists and institutions in shaping a common future. The organizers point out that ARSUM26 represents an important platform for dialogue, networking and the development of new ideas that contribute to the strengthening of cultural policies and the sustainable development of cities in Europe. Conference agenda

Last night, the second Nikšić Illustration and Animation Salon was ceremonially opened at the Nikšić Theatre, marking the official start of the second edition of the European Animated Film and Illustration Festival – (Re)animacija.   This important cultural event is organized in the context of Nikšić as the European Capital of Culture 2030, in collaboration with the Nikšić 2030 – European Capital of Culture Office, NGO Reanimacija, NGO Protos Film, and the Nikšić Theatre, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Film Centre of Montenegro, the Municipality of Nikšić, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, EPCG, IEC Tehnopolis, Museums and Galleries Nikšić, Radio Television Nikšić, the Tourist Organization of Nikšić, the Scouts Association of Montenegro, the Tibor Youth and Cultural Center, National Library “Njegoš”, and Trebjesa Brewery. The festival was officially opened by the Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević. “Last year we embarked on this initiative to show that our city, a candidate for the European Capital of Culture 2030, could successfully organize an event of this kind. By proving this, we have now become a European Capital of Culture. The European Animated Film and Illustration Festival (Re)animacija is a herald of this story and the success we all expect,” Kovačević said.   Dr. Radisav Marojević, Secretary of the Secretariat for Culture and Media of Nikšić, also addressed the audience: “Nikšić has always been a city with a strong cultural identity – a city that deeply respects its tradition, yet boldly and curiously embraces contemporary artistic expressions. Although only in its second year, the (Re)animacija Festival has already demonstrated serious potential to become a key meeting point for contemporary art, not only in Montenegro but across the wider European space. I am especially pleased that tonight we also open the second Nikšić Salon, which gathers a large number of domestic illustration and animation creators and serves as an important platform for promoting their work,” Marojević emphasized. Marko Gošović, Director General of the Directorate for Creative Industries at the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, also spoke: “It is particularly significant that the festival includes the Nikšić Illustration and Animation Salon, which, by bringing together dozens of Montenegrin creators, functions not only as an exhibition but as a representative overview of a previously partially invisible scene, confirming its role in promoting contemporary artistic expression. The international character of the festival, especially through exhibitions like ‘HUMAN 2026,’ introduces a crucial theme: the question of humanity in the context of technological transformation. Framed within artificial intelligence, this theme challenges our identity. The festival touches the very core of the digital era: new technologies are not just tools—they have changed the way we see the world,” Gošović stated.   On behalf of the organizers, Mato Uljarević, Project Manager of Nikšić 2030 ECoC and Director of the (Re)animacija Festival, addressed the audience: “As a UNESCO Creative City and the European Capital of Culture 2030, Nikšić carries even greater responsibility. This year, we are proud to welcome prominent international figures such as animator, director, and producer Pedro Rivera, who will present a special program on the festival’s final night. Among others, the festival also features Igor Prassel, director of the ‘Animateka’ Festival in Ljubljana, and Zarja Menart, director and last year’s winner of the Best Short Animated Film award,” Uljarević emphasized. The festival featured over 200 participants. The first prize went to Petar Šuković for the animation “Big Iron”, awarded by Dr. Radisav Marojević, Secretary of the Secretariat for Culture and Media of Nikšić (€1000).   The second prize went to Vana Đuranović for the animation “Majka najbolje zna”, awarded by Željko Lučić from IPC Tehnopolis (€500).   The third prize went to Irma Alibašić for the illustration “Beneath Sun”, awarded by Peko Vukadinović, President of the Scouts Association of Montenegro (€300).   After the awards ceremony, a program dedicated to Slovenian creator Zarja Menart followed. She received the festival award for her film “Three birds”, which won last year. The award was presented by the Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević.

Nikšić will once again host an important event in the field of visual arts this year – the 2nd Nikšić Salon of Illustration and Animation, conceived as a representative art salon where Montenegrin illustrators and animators present their work annually. This year, the Salon is again organized within the (RE)ANIMACIJA Festival of European Animated Film and Illustration, further confirming its role in promoting contemporary artistic expression in Montenegro.   The official opening of the Nikšić Salon will take place on the first festival evening, Friday, March 20 at 9:00 PM, at the Nikšić Theatre. At this year’s Salon, 38 authors from Montenegro working in the fields of animation and illustration will present their works, further positioning Nikšić as an important center for the development and promotion of this type of art. Within the Salon, three awards will be presented: The Municipality of Nikšić Award in the amount of €1000, The IPC Tehnopolis Award in the amount of €500, The Scout Association of Montenegro Award in the amount of €300. The selectors of the exhibition are artists and illustrators Srđa Dragović, Aleksandar Ostojić, and Milovan Mićo Kadović.    As part of the (RE)ANIMACIJA Festival, this year will also mark the first edition of the International Exhibition of Animation and Illustration HUMAN 2026, organized in the spirit of the European Capital of Culture title and with the aim of promoting Nikšić internationally as a cultural center.    The exhibition will be ceremonially opened in cooperation with the Public Institution Museums and Galleries of Nikšić, at the King Nikola’s Palace in Nikšić, on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 PM. The exhibition will feature 37 authors from 17 countries who responded to the open call under the theme “HUMAN.” The theme addresses contemporary challenges facing humanity, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence, which raises questions about the very nature and identity of human beings. Within the international exhibition, two monetary awards will be presented: International Award for Illustration in the amount of €1000, International Award for Short Animation in the amount of €1000, awarded in cooperation with Radio Television Nikšić. We remind you that this year’s edition of the (RE)ANIMACIJA Festival of European Animated Film and Illustration will take place from March 20 to March 23, 2026, featuring a diverse and rich program dedicated to contemporary animation and illustration.

The Nikšić 2030 – European Capital of Culture team, consisting of Mato Uljarević, Nemanja Popović, Aljoša Matović, Darko Aleksić, and Lucija Strunjaš, together with the Advisor for Culture, Tourism, and Religious Affairs to the Mayor of Nikšić, Miljan Mijušković, the Director of JU “Zahumlje” Miodrag Čizmović, the Director of JU Nikšić Theatre Radinko Krulanović, the Director of JU National Library “Njegoš” Liana Živković, and the representative of TO Nikšić Nikola Peković, spent the past few days in Slovakia attending the opening ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. The city of Trenčín, one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in Slovakia, holds the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture for 2026. Its program focuses on contemporary creation, community engagement, and the development of international cultural cooperation. Through an integrated approach combining art, innovation, and cultural heritage, Trenčín contributes to strengthening European cultural dialogue and connecting cities across Europe. The opening ceremony brought together numerous officials, artists, and partners from across Europe. A rich artistic program marked the start of a year dedicated to culture, with spectacular performances, light installations, and multimedia presentations symbolically opening the year in which Trenčín will be at the center of the European cultural scene.   The presence of the Nikšić delegation represents an important step in the preparations for 2030 and further strengthens international cooperation and the visibility of our city within the network of European Capitals of Culture.

The project manager of Nikšić 2030 – European Capital of Culture, Mato Uljarević, and the manager of the Nikšić 2030 office, Nemanja Popović, attended the three-day Opening Ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Oulu 2026, during which this Finnish city officially launched the program of one of Europe’s most significant cultural initiatives.    As part of the official program, the Nikšić delegation met with Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission, as well as with numerous European officials and representatives of cities and cultural institutions across Europe, including past and current European Capitals of Culture. These meetings contributed to the exchange of experiences, the strengthening of international cultural cooperation, and further positioning of Nikšić within the European cultural space. The city of Oulu, located in northern Finland, holds the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture for 2026, with a program entitled “Culture Climate Change”, which connects art with contemporary social and environmental challenges, promoting a rich and sustainable cultural scene in northern Europe.    The opening ceremony on the city square was officially inaugurated by the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, during which the “Oulu Peace” declaration was proclaimed, calling for tolerance, creativity, and the shared celebration of diversity through artistic and technological projects throughout 2026. The opening program included more than 200 events at over 20 locations in the city center, featuring music, theatre, and visual performances, art installations, light and acrobatic shows, most of which were free and open to all visitors.   This marks the first time that the Nikšić delegation has attended the opening ceremony of a European Capital of Culture as a representative of a title-holding city.

Today, an educational and entertaining quiz for high school students, titled Youth and the European Capital of Culture, was held at Freedom Square. The event gathered a large number of young people who, through team competition, had the opportunity to test their knowledge of the European cultural scene and learn more about the role of youth in contemporary cultural trends and European Capital of Culture projects.    The quiz questions were structured into three competitive rounds: the first round focused on general knowledge, the second on EU integration and European values, and the third on the topic of the European Capital of Culture.    Students from four high schools participated: Gymnasium “Stojan Cerović,” Secondary Economic and Hospitality School,  First Secondary Vocational School, and Secondary Vocational School. Competitors demonstrated a remarkable level of knowledge, creativity, and team spirit, while the atmosphere at Freedom Square was dynamic and full of positive energy. In the quiz finale, after a series of interesting and closely contested questions, the victory went to the team from  Secondary Vocational School Nikšić, showing the highest level of knowledge and teamwork on the topic Youth and the European Capital of Culture. The winner was determined by a final associative game, similar to the popular word-guessing game, in which one team member, wearing headphones and unable to see the word, tries to guess it based on explanations from their teammates.    It was emphasized that the quiz’s goal was to further motivate young people to actively participate in the cultural life of their community and recognize their role in European cultural initiatives. The event attracted great interest from passersby and demonstrated that such activities have significant educational and social potential. The quiz once again confirmed that young people have the knowledge, ideas, and desire to be active contributors to the European cultural story.

The first edition of the ECoC over Coffee programme was held in the festive atmosphere of Freedom Square in Nikšić, as part of the project Nikšić – European Capital of Culture 2030. The event brought together citizens, representatives of the cultural sector, and the interested public, with the aim of opening a dialogue on important social issues through informal conversation.   The guest of the meeting was Blagoje Šturanović, and the discussion focused on the topic of inclusion within the ECoC process, with particular emphasis on culture as a space of equal opportunities. Šturanović emphasized that the European Capital of Culture should not be a project intended for a narrow circle of people, but rather an open and accessible process in which all citizens can find their place. During the conversation, it was highlighted that inclusion implies the active involvement of diverse social groups, respect for different needs, and the creation of cultural content that is accessible to everyone. Šturanović reminded participants that culture has the power to connect the community, reduce social barriers, and foster a sense of belonging, and that through the ECoC process Nikšić has the opportunity to permanently embed these values into its cultural development.   It was also noted that such gatherings contribute to the exchange of ideas and the strengthening of trust, as well as to a better understanding of the goals of ECoC 2030. The ECoC over Coffee programme once again confirmed the importance of informal meeting formats that enable open discussion and direct communication, creating space for joint reflection on the future of Nikšić as a city of culture, dialogue, and equal opportunities.

The delegation of Nikšić spent the past few days in Slovenia, attending the official closing ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica–Gorizia 2025. Representing Nikšić, the European Capital of Culture for 2030, the ceremony was attended by the President of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, and the project manager of Nikšić 2030 ECoC, Mato Uljarević.   The Nikšić delegation attended the formal handover ceremony, during which the outgoing European Capitals of Culture—Nova Gorica–Gorizia 2025 and Chemnitz 2025—symbolically passed the title to Trenčín and Oulu, the cities that will hold the ECoC title in 2026. Afterwards, the delegation also attended the official final celebration marking the end of the ECoC year in Nova Gorica. During their visit, the delegation met with the mayors of Nova Gorica and Chemnitz, as well as with the working teams from Trenčín and Oulu, exchanging experiences and practices that will be valuable for the development of the Nikšić ECoC 2030 project.  Accompanied by Mojca Stubelj, Director of XCenter, the representatives of Nikšić visited this modern hub for innovation and digital arts, which remains one of the lasting legacies of the European Capital of Culture project in Nova Gorica. The visit to XCenter was an opportunity to learn about work models, programs, and technological solutions that will serve as inspiration for future activities in Nikšić. Participation in events of this kind significantly contributes to strengthening international cooperation, the exchange of knowledge, and the gaining of new experiences. The contacts established during this visit represent an important step in the further preparation and implementation of the Nikšić 2030 European Capital of Culture project.

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, December 5, a series of activities dedicated to promoting volunteerism and engaging citizens in socially beneficial activities was held in Nikšić. The event began at the Informative-Educational Center with a roundtable titled The Role of Volunteerism in Community Development, where Aljoša Matović, representative of the Nikšić ECoC 2030 Office, spoke about the importance of volunteerism for the realization of the project Nikšić – European Capital of Culture 2030. Following the discussion, a Volunteer Fair was organized at Freedom Square, where citizens had the opportunity to learn about volunteer activities and get involved with local organizations. As part of the fair, a gift collection drive was held for children from disadvantaged families, along with an educational game, Don’t Get Angry, Man, in which high school students participated through a quiz on volunteerism and cultural topics. At the Nikšić – European Capital of Culture 2030 stand, citizens could obtain detailed information about the project itself, planned events, and ways to join the volunteer network, thereby contributing to community development. This day demonstrated the importance of volunteerism in strengthening the community and actively involving young people in the city’s cultural and social life. Through initiatives like this, Nikšić reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive and engaged society, making volunteerism a cornerstone of local community development.

The Mayor of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, and the project manager of Nikšić 2030 – European Capital of Culture, Mato Uljarević, met yesterday in Ljubljana with academician and architect Marko Mušič, at the premises of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU). Mušič, the author of the original architectural design of the “Dom revolucije” (House of the Revolution) in Nikšić, was briefed on the current plans for the reconstruction of this monumental building, which is set to become one of the city’s key cultural centers and a focal point of the European Capital of Culture 2030 program. During the meeting, the discussion focused on models for revitalizing the building, phases of construction work, and spatial solutions that would transform the House of the Revolution into a modern Center for Digital Arts, featuring a contemporary art gallery, a multifunctional hall, creative hubs, and other facilities that will provide the city with a completely new cultural identity. It was emphasized that, for the first time in nearly 50 years since construction began, the issue of this unfinished complex will finally be resolved, giving it a purpose aligned with contemporary cultural practices. The representatives of the Municipality of Nikšić invited Academician Mušič to visit Nikšić in the near future to initiate more concrete cooperation and consultations as part of the preparations for the implementation of the ECoC 2030 project. This marks an important step toward defining the future appearance of the House of the Revolution, which will be among the most significant projects in Nikšić during the city’s preparation for the European Capital of Culture 2030 title.