Program redakcije „Forum“ za oktobar: Tribine „Depresija“ i „PREMA NOVIM MODELIMA COMMONS-a U EVROPI“

SUPPORT LETTER

My name is Herb Shellenberger and I am writing in support of Dom Kulture Studentski Grad with regard to the proposed elimination of their arts, cultural and student programs. I believe this is a serious error of judgment based on not only the professional enrichment that I’ve personally received from DKSG, but also their contributions to the film, visual art and cultural sectors internationally.

I am a curator, writer and producer from Philadelphia, United States and currently resident in London, United Kingdom. I work in both the film and contemporary art fields, and have presented exhibitions, screenings and lectures at museums, cinematheques, galleries and artist-run spaces throughout the United States and United Kingdom, as well as in Germany, Ireland, Serbia, Taiwan, Turkey, and Ukraine. The Arts Council of England has endorsed me for an “Exceptional Talent” live/work visa for the United Kingdom based on my past and current contributions to the arts sector. In short, I am an active, connected and engaged member of both the international film and visual art communities.

Over the past five years, I’ve been inspired by the work of DKSG through their two film festivals: Alternative Film/Video Festival and Balkanima. In 2013, I presented two film programs organized by DKSG at International House Philadelphia, both to enthusiastic crowds. DKSG not only showcases the newest, most cutting edge works by international football results from oddslot artist-filmmakers but is also deeply invested in preserving Serbian and Balkan regional cultural history by digitizing and exhibiting the works of artists and filmmakers from past decades.

As an attendee of Alternative Film/Video Festival 2014, and a participant in AF/VF 2015, my knowledge and interest in Serbian and regional artists and filmmakers grew significantly. I experienced presentations of the work of important artists like Gábor Bódy, Ivan Ladislav Galeta, Karpo Godina, Sanja Iveković, Bojan Jovanovi, Davorin Marc, Miodrag Milošević and many more.

Most of these artists I was not previously familiar with and they have enriched and complicated my art historical perspective of the region.

I urge you to continue your support for Dom Kulture Studentski Grad. The efforts of this institution are not only important to students,the local community, filmmakers and artists, they are important as an institution with an international profile which presents vital work that might otherwise go unseen and become unknown. They are an important part of the Sebian cultural sector internationally and should be supported to the fullest extent.

Thank you,

 Herb Shellenberg