The artist Šarić faces rejection from the City of Zagreb for his performance funding application, raising concerns about artistic freedom and support in the cultural sector.
Šarić, an artist, expressed his dismay after the City of Zagreb denied his funding application for a performance titled 'Eight Hours of Sleep.' He meticulously prepared all necessary documents, including a request for a modest amount of 10,000 euros to support his art project. The denial, which was surprising given the deep message behind his work and the serious approach he took, has raised questions about the distribution of funds in Zagreb's cultural landscape.
The City of Zagreb, under the leadership of Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, appears to be selective in its support for artistic projects, prompting Šarić to analyze which organizations and projects received funding. His project, which includes a provocative element of performing naked in darkness, clearly aimed to push boundaries and provoke thought among audiences and supporters of the arts. However, being placed on the list of rejected applications highlights potential issues regarding the criteria for funding and support for diverse artistic expressions in the city.
This situation not only affects Šarić personally but also reflects a broader trend in cultural politics in Croatia, where the balance of supporting freedom of expression in the arts versus state-endorsed projects often comes under scrutiny. As artists navigate these challenges, questions about the role of government in the arts and the implications of such rejections for creative freedom continue to arise.
