The 27th edition of the Breške Art Colony is underway near Tuzla, bringing together ten academic painters from across the Balkans for a week of creative work in the courtyard of the Parish Church in Breške. Organized by the Croatian Cultural Society “Napredak” Tuzla, the annual gathering has become a cherished tradition for artists from Serbia, Macedonia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina who seek inspiration in the natural setting and warm hospitality of the village. This year’s participants are working with free choice techniques and themes, producing works that will be exhibited at the colony’s closing ceremony tomorrow.
The colony’s distinctive character lies in its intimate atmosphere and the genuine connection between artists and their hosts. Unlike more institutionalized residencies, participants here are accommodated in local households, giving them the chance to engage with everyday life beyond the art world. “It’s my first time here. I feel wonderful. I can say, it’s special to me. I’ve participated in many art colonies. It’s different here. Somehow, everything seems familiar to me. There’s a warmth to it,” said Aferdita Kiki, an artist from Macedonia. Gabrijela Mamić from Tomislavgrad, Croatia, emphasized how the environment shapes her work: “In my works, I am most dedicated to expressing feelings, so, considering the nature in which we are located and the hospitality, the people and my colleagues, I think I have managed to show in my paintings what I feel and my emotions.” Bojan Novaković from Novi Sad, Serbia, described the colony as a rare opportunity to “relax and think a little outside of some regular duties,” allowing inspiration to emerge through exchange with colleagues.
The colony serves a dual purpose, artistic creation and community support. The works produced during the week become property of the Croatian Cultural Society “Napredak” Tuzla, with a portion set aside for the association’s fund and the remainder sold at auctions or through other channels. The proceeds fund scholarships for students, forming the financial backbone of the association’s broader cultural activities. This model has sustained the colony for nearly three decades, making it one of the most significant annual events organized by Napredak Tuzla. As the region grapples with political divisions and economic challenges, the Breške Art Colony offers a quiet counter narrative, one where borders dissolve in shared creativity, and where the sale of a painting can help send a child to school. For the artists gathered in the church courtyard this week, that may be the most meaningful canvas of all.
