The Days of Semberija in Austria, an event aimed at presenting the cultural, artistic, and economic potential of the Semberija region and strengthening ties with Austria, will take place from 22 to 27 September in Vienna, Tulln, and Graz. The event is organized by the Representative Office of the Republic of Srpska in Austria, the Embassy of BiH in Austria, and the Semberija Cultural Center Bijeljina.

Over the course of six days, a series of cultural, artistic, and business-oriented activities will be organized to introduce the Austrian public, as well as representatives of institutions and the business community, to Semberija, its rich cultural heritage, contemporary artistic creativity, economic potential, and local products. Part of the program will have a humanitarian focus, with proceeds going to support the Day Care Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Bijeljina.

Mladen Filipović, Head of the Republic of Srpska Representation in Austria, said that Semberija Days offered an opportunity to present the region in Austria in a comprehensive manner – through culture and art, as well as through its economy and potential for future cooperation. ‘Through this event, we aim to show Semberija’s wealth of cultural and economic potential, while also fostering stronger ties between the institutions, business community, and citizens of Semberija and Austria. It is particularly important to us that the event includes a humanitarian dimension, as cultural and economic cooperation are truly meaningful when they simultaneously benefit the wider community,’ said Filipović.

The opening ceremony for Semberija Days in Austria takes place today, while a business breakfast is scheduled for tomorrow, aimed at connecting businesspeople and institutions and enhancing economic cooperation. Tomorrow’s agenda also includes the opening of an exhibition featuring works by academic painter Natalija Cimeša and photographer Dejan Čabrilo, alongside a showcase and tasting of products from Semberija. A special place in the program is reserved for Semberija’s musical heritage, which will be uniquely presented by accordionists Đorđe Perić and Dušan Sekulić accompanied by their band, as well as the Srbadija Serbian Singing Society and the Semberija Serbian Cultural and Artistic Society from Bijeljina.

‘Semberija has many small producers who need support to place their products on regional markets; this event is therefore a perfect opportunity for them to connect and exchange experiences with Austrian businesspeople, and to strengthen ties with the large diaspora in that country,’ said Siniša Bencun, BiH Ambassador to Austria.

Source: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Austria – Glas Srpske

Photo: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Austria