Of October 1 to 8, 2026 will be held in Počitelj 62nd convocation of the International Art Colony Počitelj, one of the most significant and longest-running art colonies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This year's convocation will bring together artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Great Britain and other countries, among whom are respected academy professors and prominent representatives of the contemporary art scene from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. During the seven-day stay, the artists will live, work and create together in the space of the colony, thus continuing the tradition of direct meeting, artistic exchange and joint creativity that marked the history of Počitelje.
The International Art Colony in Počitelj was founded 1964, by decision of the Association of Fine Artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The idea of creating a permanent space for the gathering of artists was developed in the early 1960s, and the architect especially contributed to its realization. Dzemal Celic and artists Hakija Kulenović, Mirko Kujačić and Ivo Šeremet. The first convocations of the colony brought together artists from the former Yugoslavia and abroad, and during the following decades, Počitelj became one of the recognizable places of international artistic exchange.
What has been special about the colony from the very beginning is the fact that artists do not come for a short meeting, but they live and create together, in direct contact with the historical area of Počitelje. It was this combination of work, common life, conversation and exchange of experiences that became one of the key characteristics of the colony.
The colony is located in Gavrankapetanovića's residence, one of the most significant examples of residential architecture in historic Počitelje. The complex, which consists of two smaller and one larger building, was created during the course 16th and 17th centuries, and is considered the most developed example of residential architecture in Počitelj. In the mid-20th century, the complex was neglected, after which its adaptation for the needs of an artist colony was initiated. The work was completed in 1975, when the central part of the complex was arranged to accommodate artists.
Today, Gavrankapetanović's inn is part of the protected historical complex of Počitelje and has the status of a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the historical urban area of Počitelje is also on the tentative list of UNESCO.
The artist's stay in Počitelje will not be limited only to the space of the colony. During seven days, participants will have the opportunity to get to know the natural, cultural and historical sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The works created during the 62nd convocation will additionally enrich the extremely significant fund of the International Art Colony Počitelj, and the traditional exhibition of works will be opened next year in Sarajevo, on the occasion of March 1 - the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Roman GalleryPetrovic.
ULUuBiH invites media representatives, citizens, art lovers and tourists to visit the International Art Colony Počitelj during the period from October 1 to 8, 2026, meet the participants of the 62nd convocation and take a look at the process of creation of new works of art in the unique ambience of the historic Počitelj.
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