On May 19, 2023, the first Bijeljinale opened under the motto Beč(Vienna) Bijeljina – an exhibition that brought together the work of 24 Viennese artists and designers to the Cultural Center “Semberija” in Bijeljina, in interaction with seven local authors from Bijeljina. The bustling town is located in the border triangle of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia. Curated by artist Pavle Golijanin and me the project aimed to fuel the artistic and intercultural exchange between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria, while also setting a spotlight on the regional South-Eastern European cultural scene. Its aim was to faci­li­tate the con­ver­gence and presentation of contemporary styles from artists in Vienna, a vibrant European art hub, in inter­action with local authors from Bijeljina. In addition to the exhibition, there was a one-week art residency that offered five artists the opportunity to create their works on site.

Out of the 31 artists participating, five of them arrived in Bijeljina before the exhibition to create their artworks directly on-site. With the support of a screen printing workshop, a ceramic kiln, and ample workspace, Johanna Pichlbauer, Daniel Stuhlpfarrer, Paulina Semkowicz, Svenja Plaas and Gabriel Roland found inspiration in the local environment. Collaborative efforts with local artisans and workshops bridged gaps left by some of the absent artists. For instance, Daniel Ferstl entrusted his project to a skilled local tailor, resulting in an unexpected and captivating outcome. Lukas Thaler involved a local concrete mixer, who meticulously crafted sculptures according to the artists’ specifications. Furthemore, Gašper Kunšič and Anna Zimmermann submitted their designs in advance and arrived just before the exhibition opening to oversee the creation of their on-site objects.

An important highlight of the exhibition is the personal camaraderie between us and the artists. Spending several days together during the exhibition opening has fostered closer connections and has been invaluable for all those involved, enhancing the overall experience and artistic community.

Rather than blending in with white rooms, our intention to be different and stand out was reinforced by this unique characteristic – the Blue Cube. It is crucial to acknowledge that Bosnia and Herzegovina is still an emerging country, with financial resources not as abundant as in Western metropolises. This reality meant working with fewer resources, but Pavle and I refused to use it as an excuse. Instead, we set high standards for ourselves. We were determined not to settle for presenting an inferior or lower-quality exhibition. This challenge became the driving force behind our relentless pursuit of excellence.

The inclusion of the term Beč (in all official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina word for Vienna) adds an element of exoticism to the project. Many people from Vienna will likely encounter this term for the first time. When something familiar is expressed differently, it tends to pique curiosity and evoke questioning. Despite the significant presence of people from the Balkans in Vienna and the enduring influence of Vienna in terms of history, architecture, cuisine, furniture, and cultural expressions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is still considerable room for improvement in terms of collaboration between the two regions.

The name BečBijeljina is intentionally chosen to reflect the essence of the exhibition. The project is also commonly referred to as Bijeljinale a playful nod to the well-known Biennale, adding an element of lightheartedness to the overall experience.