International Exhibition “Museum Yet to Be” Opens in Montenegro

The international exhibition titled “Museum Yet to Be” opened on the evening of March 15, 2024, at Dvorac Petrovića and the Perjanički dom in Podgorica, Montenegro. This exhibition challenges the traditional concept of museums, presenting them as dynamic spaces that evolve alongside contemporary social currents.

Curated by Milica Bezmarević from the Museum of Contemporary Art of Montenegro, Jovanka Popova from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje, North Macedonia, and Misela Blanuša from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade, Serbia, the exhibition examines how museums can serve as venues for experimentation, collective contemplation, and ethical practices in a time marked by political, social, and economic challenges.

The opening included a series of events, notably an artist talk featuring Anton Vidokle and Dan Perjovschi. They discussed their extensive research 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.

Bezmarević remarked during the opening that the exhibition prompts visitors to reflect on what a museum can become rather than what it currently is. “We envision a museum that is yet to emerge, one that must adapt to the times. In an era of political turbulence, social inequalities, and economic crises, museum institutions increasingly face the question of what it means to act ethically and be relevant,” she stated.

This exhibition invites attendees to consider how museums can be more than spaces for displaying art. It emphasizes the potential for museums to become sites of experimentation and collective thinking. Through the works of the participating artists, the exhibition encourages reflections on new institutional practices and ethical strategies, fostering diversity, celebrating creativity, and nurturing community responsibility.

The roster of participating artists includes notable names such as Cem A, Noor Abuarafeh, Basma al-Sharif, Kader Attia, Noorafshan Mirza & Brad Batler, Dante Buu, Yane Calovski & Hristina Ivanoska, along with others like Ali Cherri, Keti Chukhrov, and Jasmina Cibic. The diverse mix showcases a range of perspectives and approaches, highlighting the exhibition’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

As the exhibition unfolds, it serves as a reminder that museums can play a pivotal role in addressing contemporary societal issues, acting as catalysts for dialogue and change within communities. The “Museum Yet to Be” stands as an invitation to rethink the purpose and function of museums in our rapidly changing world.