Anniversary – 10 years

Catalogue – 10+ years celebrating world culture and art

“Art Circle is a project, which, at its 10-year anniversary, continues to pave its way into the local community, the diplomatic circles and especially into the professional circles of international contemporary art.

The project’s concept stems from a basic form of artistic creativity and social interactions between artists and the local winegrowers. In fact, in 1997, the story created by Etko Tutta began at the residence of Aleks and Uroš Klinec, which later developed into a form through which we wanted to increase the range of art. In cooperation with the ambassadors from countries that have their diplomatic representation in Slovenia, we are expanding this story and example of good practice. At the same time, we must emphasize the interest, good will and culture shown by the local winegrowers and restaurateurs.

10 years ago, my friend Etko and I joined forces and established the first Culture Embassy of Poland, with the enormous contribution from the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland Nedjan Brataševec. This happend at the estate of Nejka and Uroš Klinec and sparked the fulfillment of a vision to connect the wider winegrowing area of the Northen Littoral and to cross the brorder into the Italian territory. A vision to connect contemporary artistic practices of international range and the local culinary and wine culture.

This year, with a great sense of pride towards our local winegrowers and restaurateurs, we are opening the 17th Embassy in a row, solidifying our position into the international cultural space.”

Klemen Brun,
Artistic Director

Art allows us to understand, art inspires, art connects.

“In 2011, the driven by the initiative of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Nova Gorica, Mr Nedjan Brataševec, and the former Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Ljubljana, HE. Cezary Król, the Art Circle project was launched. Thanks to this venture, through artistic encouragement and promotion of culture, the once torn apart by communism Europe now comes together in Goriška Brda. It connects not only artists, but also the communities, giving politicians the inspiration to work towards a better Europe.
In recent years, many countries with diplomatic representations in Slovenia as well as in neighbouring states have taken upon themselves to further promote the project and open their own Art Embassies in Nova Gorica region.
When I first arrived in Slovenia, in 2020, intending to take up my mission here, I was absolutely convinced a significant part of it would focus on the crucial importance of developing the activity of the Polish Art Embassy.
I am very grateful to the hosts, Mr and Mrs Nejka and Uroš Klinec for acting as Polish Ambassadors in Nova Gorica. Through many years of their collaboration with the curators and by hosting multiple Polish artists in Plešivo villa they promote art and culture throughout the entire region.
The project could not have succeeded had it not been for the support and creativity of Mr Klemen Brun and Mr Etko Tutta. I would like to express my gratitude for their admirable dedication towards the development of art embassies and the pursuit of their artistic vision and social mission. We also own much to Mrs Tina Novak Samec, the Director of the Institute of Tourism, Kulture, Youth and Sport Brda.
The fact that the Art Circle / Krog Umetnosti movement was launched thanks to the initiative of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Slovenia and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Nova Gorica obliges us to remain dedicated to the promotion of cultural activities. This will without a doubt be strengthened through the election of Nova Gorica and Gorizia for the European Capital of Culture 2025.
Cultural embassies are an excellent expression of the European integration ideal of which Poland is an ardent promoter and a passionate supporter. The Art Circle project is shining example that art inspires, and culture connects as well as forms the foundation of Europe.”

Krzysztof Olendzki PhD
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland in Slovenia

Art Circle – an infinite circle of connection

“The circle, one of the most primal elements of artistic creation, is a symbolic embodiment of the essence of unity. There is nothing enchanted in it. Only a continuous development which provides us with orientation and the right rhythm to life’s dynamics.

Through our very vivid memories we can look back at the year 1997 when, filled with youthful energy and zeal for art, we were able to feel all its connecting power. Medana provided the place and time for the contemporary creative expression of artist from all over the world in the MMMart. Driven by courage, we continued to Plešivo, to our new residence. This is where bold creative ideas came into one. Together with Etko Tutta and Klemen Brun we developed a new concept of artistic gatherings. The year was 2011 when we drew the first circumference of the »Art Circle«. We accepted with full responsibility the trust placed in us by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Slovenia, Nedjan Brataševec and created the first art embassy.

Today we share our everyday life with guests coming from different places and cultures. They entrust us with their free time and, in return, we each time provide them with experiences captured in a glass of wine or on a dish and in our pleasant rooms where they can take a break. On each step we relive together the stories that were brought to us by the creativity of the artists who found inspiration in our residence. The art embassies are successfully fulfilling their mission and we are happy that the »Art Circle« has grown into a true international visual arts festival.

We are incredibly pleased that this project is uniting us and bringing into our lives the good in its widest sense: from new interactions to heartfelt and long-standing friendships, experiencing cultural diversities and, ultimately, an exciting stimulation to tourism and the promotion of the Goriška Region. We strongly believe that this will also continue into the future. ”

Nejka and Uroš Klinec
Hosts of the first Art Embassy of Poland