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of the academic, cultural, artistic, sporting and business worlds. Zagreb holds an
excellent geostrategic position in the central Croatian area.The centre of Zagreb is
divided into two parts: UpperTown —featuring relevant historic value and therefore
being a vibrant centre of cultural life— and Lower Town —mostly composed of
shops, cafes, museums, and parks. Zagreb has also historical high-rise constructions
and good urban transport connections.
The city features a number of small and independent galleries, street art
manifestations, festivals, theatres, museums, art collections, other organisers of cultural
and artistic events, professional orchestras, teams and choirs
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. Contemporary art
has a long tradition in Zagreb through conceptual, socially engaged artists whose
presence means that local people are used to living with and learning from
contemporary art.
City’s policy framework:
The cultural and creative sector of the city of Zagreb
has been recognized as strategic for the development of the city. Culture in Zagreb
is important in the promotion of the city, because its history and present are marked
by artistic activities. Despite a cultural strategy in its early development and some
gaps between the arts sector and the public administration, culture is one of the
attributes that Zagreb boasts, notably through the
Zagrebplan
(City of Zagreb
Development Strategy).
Among others this document identifies as the following strategic development goals:
•
A competitive economy — which foresees encouraging creative industries
to reach the “Development of the economy based on knowledge, innovations
and quality of provided goods and services”;
•
Improving urban quality and functions —in which the preservation, renewal
and sustainable use of cultural heritage is considered a measure to achieve
the priority “Improving inhabited city areas”—;
•
Improving the quality of living —including three measures, namely the
improvement of the working conditions, the quality and diversity of culture
and cultural offers; developing sporting infrastructure and culture at all levels
Description of the initiative:
The Croatian Association of Visual Artists (HDLU), established in 1868 is active in
various artistic fields. Its activities include exhibitions, trade art fairs, a painting biennial,
the Night of the Museums, educational and art therapy workshops, festivals,
conferences, lectures, presentations and performances. HDLU’s objectives are to
support and encourage contemporary visual expression, improve and protect the
freedom of visual expression, organise exhibitions, and collaborate in preparations
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According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, there were 163 theatres operating in the 2012/2013
season. Statistical reports in 2012 refer to 181 museums and museum collections, 46 galleries and 34
collections. In 2013, there were 74 cinemas operating. Records indicate that 217 open public universities,
homes of culture and other organisers of cultural and artistic activities were operating in the season
2008/2009. Source: the official website of the Republic of Croatia – Croatian Bureau of Statistics, available
at
/.
