Festivals

Quick interview – Ivana Medo Bogdanović

Although at one point it seemed that all summer festivals will be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 71st Dubrovnik Summer Festival will traditionally take place this year from 10 July to 25 August despite the circumstances. This year’s Festival programme and venues are adapted to the current situation and the Festival Executive Director Ivana Medo Bogdanović answered this week’s five short questions.
The 71st Dubrovnik Summer Festival?
The Festival was held every year even during the war. The war didn’t stop us and neither will the coronavirus. We have adapted by having smaller-scale performances and reduced auditorium capacity but kept our quality and interest.

Libertas flag on St John’s Fort?
The flag of the Republic of Dubrovnik was raised on St John’s Fort at the Opening Ceremony of the first Dubrovnik Summer Festival in 1950. Regardless of whether we raise it on Orlando’s Column, the City Bell Tower or St John’s Fort, it remains the most powerful symbol of independence and freedom which always inspires powerful emotions in all of Dubrovnik’s citizens.

Domestic audience in focus?
Even during the most successful tourist seasons, 50% of all tickets are purchased by the local people. The Festival has a loyal audience that loves and supports us. They also often criticise us, but this only means they care about their Festival.

Dubrovnik summer of 2020?
Like every summer, marked by the Festival.

Crisis and culture?
This year’s Festival programme was recognised and supported by our loyal funders, sponsors and donors in the amount of HRK 6.6 million. In times of crisis, institutions with a strong image, long tradition and clear vision are the ones that survive.