Jems
As part of the INNATUS – Initiative for Naïve Art and Sustainable Tourism project, study visits are planned in order to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local naive art scene and its potential for sustainable tourism development in the cross-border region. The idea is to provide participants with first-hand experiences and insights into the creative process of naive art, its cultural significance, its role in the community and how it can be promoted as part of sustainable tourism.
The first study visit was held in Ernestinovo on October 4, 2024, bringing together participants from Ernestinovo and Subotica. This event facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the fields of naïve art and sustainable tourism.
The visit began with an interactive session with the naive sculptor Siniša Tešankić, who introduced his work and the specifics of naïve art creation. After the introductory part, the group headed to the Sculpture Park, where they learned more about the history of the Naïve Sculptors Colony. During the tour of the Petar Smajić Gallery, participants were introduced to the technique of sculpture making and the tools used. They also had the opportunity to engage with representatives of local cultural organizations dedicated to the preservation and promotion of naïve art.
Afterward, participants took a walk along the Sculpture Street, where they listened to interesting stories about the origins of the village of Ernestinovo. The visit concluded with a stop at the location of the future Creative Children’s Center.
The second study visit was held on November 19, 2024, and it started with a visit to the Croatian House of Matica – the headquarters of the National Council of Croatian National Minority (HNV), and to the location of the future Interactive Cultural Center in Subotica. After that, accompanied by the straw artists, the guests went on a tour of the largest collection of straw crowns in the headquarters of the Subotica Bishopric.
The visit continued to Tavankut where a collection of straw paintings was visited, among which the first such painting was made in the 1970’s in the Parish Hall of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tavankut, and then in the premises of the association Gallery of the First Naive Colony in Straw Technique – where members of the association presented their work and naive creativity, and told the story of the creation of the First Naive Colony in Straw Technique.
Afterward, there was a tour of the exhibition in the Gallery, followed by an interactive session with artists – straw makers, presentation of the technique of making pictures and other objects from straw.
