The 11th Feminist art colony has finished

The 11th Feminist Art Colony in Sićevo was successfully held. Ten women artists had the opportunity, over the course of seven days, to create artworks, socialize and exchange experiences, as well as to participate in the accompanying program of the colony, which included various performances and workshops.

The first day of the colony symbolically began with a group photo in front of the monument to Nadežda Petrović, a painter and humanitarian in whose honor our colony was founded. Afterwards, Dragana Jovanović, an actress from the National Theater in Niš, performed for the colony participants and the citizens of Niš an excerpt from the play “Petrified”, dedicated to the poet Jelena Dimitrijević. The performance was attended by 71 people.

The second day of the colony began with an introduction to the Center for Girls and the participating artists, followed by the distribution of art materials. After that, the artists started their work. The day concluded with a magical performance of the play “Nadežda Petrović – Self-Portrait in Plural”, performed by Dragana Jovanović and Katarina Mitić Pavlović. The performance was attended by more than 90 people.

On the third day, the artists had the opportunity to create and socialize, and in the evening to watch a segment of the omnibus play “She Asked for It”, directed by Ksenija Krnajski and performed by actress Maja Mitić. The play addresses different forms of violence against women: physical, psychological, economic, peer violence, violence among women, and violence in the media. This was followed by a theater workshop in which the artists, together with Maja, explored the connection between movement, voice, thought, and imagery.

On the fourth day, a workshop on “Gender-Sensitive Language” was held, led by Sara Plazinić Nikolić. The discussion focused on why it is important to use gender-sensitive language, the most common prejudices about it, as well as the current situation regarding the Law on Gender Equality, which prescribes its use.

On the fifth day, the artists watched a segment of the play “I Am an Emotional Being”, written by V (Eve Ensler), which addresses human trafficking. The text “A Survival Guide Through Sexual Slavery for Teen Girls” was performed by Marta Stanojević on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which we observed on July 30. On the same day, during the workshop “Empowering Self-Defense”, the artists learned five principles of self-defense: think, shout, run, fight, and speak—along with their practical applications in everyday situations. The workshop was led by Tatjana Nikolić.

On the sixth day of the 11th Feminist Art Colony, through two “Empowering Self-Defense” workshops, the artists had the opportunity to learn a stance, three strikes, five self-defense techniques, and more. When asked to describe in one word what they took away from the workshop, they responded: strength, wisdom, reflection, ability, readiness, understanding, logic, repetition, patience, and focus. The workshop was led by Tatjana Nikolić.

Here are some of the comments the artists shared after participating in the colony:

• The colony provided me with a safe space full of beautiful working energy.”“Participating was very meaningful for me; I feel like I unlocked the idea that I can be here and engage in art more. The team of women was so supportive and inspiring, and combined with such a positive environment, it truly felt like a deep break from the toxic world and the city. I would gladly recommend it to everyone!
• I have already recommended it and shared the contact with my friends. For the first time, I understood why colleagues are so much more productive than us women. For a week, I didn’t have to worry about shopping, cooking, bills, cleaning, work… All I had to do was get up and create, which I fully embraced, and I intend to make this a regular routine. I hope I succeed.
• There weren’t too many activities, and we had time for our own work. The Empowering Self-Defense workshop was wonderful, explained clearly, precisely, and helpfully. The activities following the performance ‘She Asked for It’ were incredibly liberating and inspiring for me.
• The play performed in Sićevo, about Nadežda, had a special impact because of the location.
• It was lovely to spend time with you; Sićevo is like a magical corner and brought us closer on a special level. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here!

This year, the Feminist Art Colony is being held as part of the project “Empowered to Create”, supported by the Swiss Government and the Hartefakt Foundation through the “Culture for Democracy” program. The colony is also supported by the OAK and Trag Foundations.