The fast approaching third edition of LJUBLJANA ART WEEKEND will be curated by ETC., an annual magazine committed to showcasing contemporary artistic expressions spanning from the Baltic to the Balkans. The theme of the third issue of the magazine, Selling Out, directly correlates to the overarching theme of Ljubljana Art Weekend. It delves into the complex realities of paid work, precarious employment, self-fulfillment through labor, and the perpetual struggle for sustenance.
We spoke to LJUBLJANA ART WEEKEND founder and RAVNIKAR gallery director Piera Ravnikar.
How much has LJUB A W as a platform evolved since its founding back in 2021? What has changed, and what has stayed the same?
Since its establishment in 2021, LJUB A W has evolved significantly. Although we’re still a very young platform and are, in some ways, still only just building the foundation for a burgeoning arts community in Ljubljana, we feel there’s a noticeable difference this year. We decided to propose ETC. Magazine, a Ljubljana-based international showcase art magazine, to take over the artistic direction of LJUB A W for the next three years, inevitably injecting new perspectives into the curation process. We’ve witnessed remarkable growth in participation from both local and international artists, accompanied by an expansion of exhibition spaces and a diversification of programs. Moreover, our engagement with the audience has deepened as we’ve been working really hard specifically on audience development strategies and forging (international) media partnerships. Throughout this journey, LJUB A W remains steadfast in its core mission: promoting both emerging and established artists while nurturing a dynamic art scene in Ljubljana.
What kind of accompanying activities can the audience expect?
Our partners, meaning everyone included in the LJUB A W network, which includes galleries, museums, project spaces, and other artistic initiatives, are all preparing their own distinct and compelling programs consisting of events that will accompany the exhibitions they’re showcasing. These events may include artist talks, guided tours, and workshops.
On the other hand, the LJUB A W team is building on some existing fan-favorite formats while diversifying them. Visitors can expect a diverse range of accompanying activities, including art walks, panel discussions, workshops, guided tours, film screenings, performances, etc., all linked together by the overarching theme of this year’s LJUB A W – ETC. Magazine’s third issue, Selling Out.
How do you think LJUBAW has contributed to the further development of the scene in the past years?
We feel LJUB A W has played an important role in advancing the local art scene over the past years through several contributions. By offering a platform for both emerging and established artists, LJUB A W has facilitated vital exposure and recognition for diverse talents. The event has served as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration within the art community, nurturing meaningful connections and exchanges between artists, curators, critics, and other art professionals, as well as enthusiasts. Additionally, the event’s ability to attract both local and international attention has somewhat elevated the cultural profile of Ljubljana outside Slovenia’s borders, positioning it as a vibrant cultural hub for artistic expression in the region. We believe the initiative has added to the enrichment and diversification of the city’s cultural landscape, and, perhaps even more importantly, it’s helping to foster a sense of community among its key players.
Which unique values do you think characterize the contemporary Slovenian art scene?
I believe Slovenia, with its intersections, is a very dynamic region, both historically and politically, which naturally encompasses art and culture as a whole. In a broader cultural sense, it’s paradoxical: we’re closed-off, yet internationally-oriented, belonging to multiple artistic circles but also experiencing isolation, all at the same time. The multifaceted practices of Slovenian contemporary artists absolutely reflect this sense of belonging but not entirely fitting in, whether it’s to the West, the Balkans, or Eastern Europe.
There’s a ton of potential here, as our artists and art professionals have proven time and time again through events like the Biennale of Graphic Arts, the Biennial of Design, the Igor Zabel Awards, the EKO – International Triennial of Art and Environment, and others. We hope that LJUB A W, as a yearly event, can contribute in some ways to the ongoing conversations, both domestically and internationally.
This year marks the third edition of LJUB A W. What difficulties and challenges did your team have to face?
In short, the challenges are almost exclusively financial constraints. We’re working year-round to secure beneficial partnerships and sponsorships. We are extremely grateful for the public funding the project receives from the Municipality of Ljubljana and the Ministry of Culture, as well as the generous support from our main sponsor, Rutar. However, Ljubljana requires much more additional support from the private sector. Investment in contemporary culture at all levels, from supporting the environment to fostering development, is crucial. We hope that LJUB A W will inspire some change in the near future.
Why is your event more interesting than an art fair?
LJUB A W distinguishes itself by providing more of an interactive experience that surpasses traditional art fairs, utilizing the city itself as a sort of stage where visitors get to interact with contemporary art on multiple levels. It provides a more personal platform for direct engagement with artists and other creatives, promotes a sense of community and inclusivity, and showcases a diverse range of artistic practices and perspectives. By promoting genuine connections between artists, curators, collectors, and the general public, LJUB A W creates an environment where relationships are forged, transcending the typical boundaries of art appreciation.
The visitors are sure to be mainly from Slovenia. How are you planning to compensate for the lack of foreign collectors?
It’s true, LJUB A W predominantly draws visitors from Slovenia, but we believe the event and the interconnected platform we’ve created possess the capacity to utilize online platforms and international connections, extending their reach to foreign collectors and art enthusiasts. Since a developed, healthy contemporary art market doesn’t really exist in Slovenia anyway, the only thing we can do is be fully committed to establishing enduring relationships with both local and regional collectors, in an attempt to create a sustainable art market within Slovenia. I am interested in how we can create an ecosystem where individuals and groups can converge, interact, share knowledge, and learn from one another – the potential for collaboration and growth is boundless.