In the heart of Istria, in the small town of Bale, the 7th Young Theatre Festival was held from September 23 to 28, 2024, standing out as a platform for artistic and scientific creation. This international event brought together over one hundred participants from various countries, including students, professors, and artists, who collectively explored the theme “Roots.” This theme was not merely symbolic—it encouraged participants to reflect on their own cultural identities and to reassess the values shaping their artistic expressions.
One of the festival’s key goals was to promote young artists and provide them opportunities for development through educational workshops. The festival featured a full-day program of workshops covering areas such as culture and arts, nutrition, natural cosmetics production, mindfulness, and other disciplines. The organizers from the Academy of Arts and Culture at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek designed a diverse program that allowed participants to engage with various aspects of art and science. The festival hosted numerous domestic and international experts and scientists, as well as students from the USA and EU countries including Germany, Ireland, and Romania, and of course, from Croatia. Representing our study program was Vjeko Krtolačić, a third-year student.
In addition to the educational segment, the Festival included a series of artistic programs, featuring theatrical performances that attracted numerous visitors. The plays were the result of collaborative work by students from various institutions, with the theme “Roots” present throughout all performances, emphasizing the importance of exploring identity and tradition through artistic expression. The audience had the opportunity to enjoy diverse and innovative approaches to theatre, which further enriched the experience for all attendees.
The Young Theatre Festival in Bale not only promotes young artists but also highlights the role of art within a social context. Art proves to be a means of connection, communication, and collective growth. This event confirms that art can be a driver of change, inspiring new generations to think creatively and collaborate. Through initiatives like this, young artists have the chance not only to refine their skills but also to shape the future of artistic creation, providing insight into the diversity of human experience and creativity.
In conclusion, the Young Theatre Festival in Bale represents a significant contribution to the cultural scene while promoting art as a key element in community development. This collaboration between different institutions and individuals not only strengthens ties within the local community but also builds bridges between various cultures and traditions. In this sense, the festival becomes more than an event—it becomes a movement toward better understanding and embracing the diversity of human experience through art.
Vjeko Krtolačić
One of the festival’s key goals was to promote young artists and provide them opportunities for development through educational workshops. The festival featured a full-day program of workshops covering areas such as culture and arts, nutrition, natural cosmetics production, mindfulness, and other disciplines. The organizers from the Academy of Arts and Culture at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek designed a diverse program that allowed participants to engage with various aspects of art and science. The festival hosted numerous domestic and international experts and scientists, as well as students from the USA and EU countries including Germany, Ireland, and Romania, and of course, from Croatia. Representing our study program was Vjeko Krtolačić, a third-year student.
In addition to the educational segment, the Festival included a series of artistic programs, featuring theatrical performances that attracted numerous visitors. The plays were the result of collaborative work by students from various institutions, with the theme “Roots” present throughout all performances, emphasizing the importance of exploring identity and tradition through artistic expression. The audience had the opportunity to enjoy diverse and innovative approaches to theatre, which further enriched the experience for all attendees.
The Young Theatre Festival in Bale not only promotes young artists but also highlights the role of art within a social context. Art proves to be a means of connection, communication, and collective growth. This event confirms that art can be a driver of change, inspiring new generations to think creatively and collaborate. Through initiatives like this, young artists have the chance not only to refine their skills but also to shape the future of artistic creation, providing insight into the diversity of human experience and creativity.
In conclusion, the Young Theatre Festival in Bale represents a significant contribution to the cultural scene while promoting art as a key element in community development. This collaboration between different institutions and individuals not only strengthens ties within the local community but also builds bridges between various cultures and traditions. In this sense, the festival becomes more than an event—it becomes a movement toward better understanding and embracing the diversity of human experience through art.
Vjeko Krtolačić
