Sarajevo, October 5, 2025

On October 3, 2025, a full-day workshop titled “Back to the Future / Bentbaša – Community Engagement and Space Design” took place in Sarajevo as part of the D. Dance Alliance project. Organized by the SARTR Theatre in collaboration with international partners—Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) from Budapest, the Collective Foundation from Bulgaria, the Živimo Ballet Association, and the Iskriva Institute – the event brought together over 30 participants. These included students from the Academy of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Sarajevo, as well as numerous enthusiasts of architecture and urban design.

The workshop was designed as a meeting point for art, design, and community. Participants explored the memories of residents of Sarajevo’s Old Town in the Bentbaša area and collectively envisioned its future. Guided by Borbála Marosán (MOME) and Irina Altanova, attendees developed conceptual ideas, created visual collages, and presented proposals for the future transformation of the space. Inspiring lectures by architect Amir Vuk Zec and Dr. Boris Trapara enriched the event, sharing their extensive experience in connecting heritage, space, and community.

The workshop is part of the broader D. Dance Alliance project, which integrates art, research, and community collaboration. The ideas developed during the workshop will serve as inspiration for the upcoming festival performance “WITH LOVE FROM BOSNIA,” set to premiere in 2026.

Aligned with the Creative Europe program, the D. Dance Alliance project emphasizes cultural diversity, economic potential, and innovation in the cultural and creative sectors. It aims to foster international support for the development of the contemporary dance scene in the region, promoting sustainability and interdisciplinary global collaboration. The innovative use of technology, collaborative practices, and a commitment to sustainable development highlight the project’s potential to leave a lasting impact on the contemporary dance landscape in the Danube region and beyond.

Photo: SARTR Theatre