International Exhibition “Museum Yet to Be” Opens in Montenegro

A new chapter in contemporary art has begun with the opening of the international exhibition “Museum Yet to Be” at Dvorac Petrovića and Perjanički Dom in Montenegro on September 28, 2023. This exhibition invites audiences to reconsider the museum as a dynamic space that evolves to reflect current societal trends and challenges.

The exhibition’s concept is rooted in the idea that museums should not be static entities but rather fluid and open to transformation. It explores how museum institutions can serve as venues for experimentation, collective reflection, and the development of new ethical practices amid pressing political, social, and economic issues.

Curators of the exhibition include Milica Bezmarević from the Museum of Contemporary Art of Montenegro, Jovanka Popova from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje, North Macedonia, and Mišela Blanuša from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade, Serbia. Their vision for this exhibition underscores the need for museums to address contemporary realities and act ethically to remain relevant.

In her opening remarks, Bezmarević emphasized the exhibition’s goal of fostering dialogue about the future of museums. She stated, “This exhibition calls for reflection on how museums can be more than just spaces for displaying art. It reminds us that they can be places for experimentation and collective thinking.” She further highlighted the importance of recognizing diversity, celebrating creativity, and nurturing community responsibility through the works presented.

The exhibition features a diverse array of artists, including notable names such as Cem A, Noor Abuarafeh, Basma al-Sharif, and Kader Attia. Each artist brings a unique perspective on contemporary issues, making the exhibition a rich tapestry of ideas and expressions.

Accompanying the exhibition are events designed to deepen engagement with its themes. An artist talk featuring Anton Vidokle and Dan Perjovschi focused on their long-term research, the relationship between art and institutions, and the role of art in shaping shared imaginations. Additionally, a performance by Mo Diener explored the boundaries of the body, space, and collective experience through movement and presence.

As the exhibition unfolds, it invites visitors to envision a future for museums that transcends traditional boundaries, addressing pressing social issues while promoting ethical practices. The “Museum Yet to Be” serves as a call to action for both institutions and audiences to engage actively in redefining the role of museums in society.

The exhibition will run for several weeks, providing ample opportunity for the public to engage with the works and conversations that challenge the conventional understanding of what museums can become in a rapidly changing world.