Renowned artist wishes to “unfreeze Cetinje,” PM Luksic offers support

Prime Minister Igor Luksic met with world renowned artist Marina Abramovic, who presented to him the project “Marina Abramovic Community Centre Obod Cetinje” (MACCOC). This project will transform the Obod factory complex into an international multi-disciplinary cultural centre comprising of film, theatre, dance, video, music and opera production studios attracting world renowned artists and investors through Abramovic’s contacts and reputation abroad.

“I believe the time has come to join forces to unfreeze Cetinje and I am ready to contribute personally. I want good ideas to take root in Montenegro and I want Cetinje to become a modern art centre,” said Abramovic.

The project idea that Abramovic presented to PM Luksic is that the MACCOC centre becomes a place where best film, theatre, music, dance and opera productions are made, and that one of the factory halls serves as a permanent exhibition dedicated to works of art produced in Cetinje.

The project would ultimately aim to establish cooperation with the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje, the local community, the University of Montenegro, as well as other universities world-wide, with the purpose of developing the Royal Capital through the intertwining of culture and economy, and in this way ultimately benefiting not only Cetinje, but Montenegro as a whole, stated Abramovic.

PM Luksic voiced his pleasure at meeting one of the most renowned artists of today, emphasising that he believes this project could help revitalise Cetinje, an attempt initiated by the Government last year through the programme “Cetinje – grad kulture 2010-2013” (Cetinje – City of Culture 2010-2013).

“I believe that through the revival of Cetinje initiated by this and other projects, we are instilling a fresh energy which will thrive on the rich past of Cetinje and will help develop the Royal Capital in the way it deserves,” said PM Luksic.

The PM announced that the Government will support the MACCOC project, and that it will create all the necessary preconditions for its commencement.

Marina Abramovic underlined that her contribution to the project will be on a strictly voluntary basis and that she wishes to use her reputation to contribute to the international promotion and development of Montenegro.