At the beginning of the program, the audience was addressed by Aljoša Matović, representative of the Nikšić – European Capital of Culture 2030 Office, who emphasized the importance of such events for the affirmation of the city’s cultural scene:

“Today, the Institute of Black Metallurgy symbolizes what the Nikšić – European Capital of Culture 2030 project aims to achieve – to recognize, revive, and transform our industrial heritage into contemporary spaces of culture and art. These ateliers are not just spaces of creation, but a testimony to the power of vision, identity, and the spiritual renewal of our city.”

On behalf of the artistic community of the Institute, Jelena Krivokapić, a representative of the local art scene, spoke to the audience, reminding them of the symbolic connection between industry and art:

“For fifteen years, the community of artists at the Institute of Black Metallurgy has been creating in a space that once belonged to industry and now belongs to art. This place, where once the strength of steel and the identity of Nikšić were forged, today becomes a space of creation and transformation of spirit. For us, the Institute is a home open to future artistic residencies and cultural encounters – a bridge between Nikšić and the world. In the spirit of Njegoš’s words, ‘Let it be what cannot be,’ we believe that from industry is born art, and from steel – the light of the spirit.”

After her, Miljan Mijušković, advisor for culture and tourism to the President of the Municipality of Nikšić, also addressed the audience, highlighting the symbolism of the space and its new cultural role:

“Tonight we are in a space that once belonged to industry – a place where metals were tested and materials shaped. And tonight, in this very same space, we witness a true miracle: we see living ideas, we see thoughts being shaped, and art being created. We are witnessing how our industrial heritage is slowly becoming our cultural future.”

As part of the program, the brochure “Open City” was presented – created through a literary competition held within Nikšić’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. The goal of the competition was to encourage citizens to express through literary creativity their vision of Nikšić’s future – a city open to Europe, the world, and new ideas.

On this occasion, certificates were awarded for the three best works to:

• Anja Odalović

• Martina Simunović and

• Radoje Radunović

After the official program, visitors had the opportunity to tour the Institute of Art, talk with artists, and directly experience the process of creating artworks.

Once a symbol of Nikšić’s industrial strength, the Institute of Black Metallurgy is now evolving into a center of contemporary art. In the years to come, through the Nikšić ECoC 2030 project, part of the space will be transformed into an Institute of Art and Artists’ Residences, with monthly open ateliers and programs, providing even more opportunities for encounters and interaction with artistic creation.