I believe that we should urgently, but not hastily, work on establishing and organizing a museum community in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the regional centers of culture, science, and art. We should work on creating a type of club centered around three museums: the National Museum (Zemaljski muzej), the Historical Museum, and the Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art. This community should have regular and formal gatherings several times a year on specific occasions within the premises of the National Museum and the park between, and it should also have a newsletter and a website as its own online publishing. Most importantly, it should reflect the diversity of people who are lovers of science and art, people from different social categories and professions. It should consist of quality and successful individuals, experts, scientists, artists, but also enthusiastic citizens. Membership of this community would be determined by the proposal of the founders, i.e., by invitation. The mere fact that it resembles a club would mean that it is not open, i.e., that being a member would be an honor, especially when most memberships have lost their value today.

Due to its structure and composition, such a community, with the right online tools, could have a significant impact not only on political decisions in the realm of science and culture but also in the public societal sphere, by combining scientific and artistic content and visual style. I say this aware of the fact that politicians, regardless of what we think of them, care a great deal about public opinion, especially the opinions of esteemed circles and individuals who have a certain influence on shaping public opinion. These individuals, groups and organizations often not only initiate changes but can also turn things in favor of or against the ruling structures, shift the balance of power on the political scene, or influence election campaigns where there are too many actors and competitors. In this sense, an independent artistic-scientific circle or club, a well-organized and well-published community, could achieve a lot. There is no lack of ideas, suggestions, or initiatives, but there is a lack of organization and unity across various fields, disciplines, and passions. Most importantly, there is a lack of socializing, communication, and exchange of ideas. In one word: there is a lack of community.

Talented and educated minds are fragmented and forced into individual or narrowly specialized work, making them easily manipulated by politics and turned into instruments of political leaders and parties. There is a lack of connection between different branches, and a lack of a critical mass of intellectuals and artists who could have a considerable, even decisive influence on society and politics. This should not be difficult, especially considering how small our country and our regions are. There is a lack of notable names, solidarity, tolerance, inclusivity, and a lack of focus and perseverance in our societies. Above all, there is a lack of intellectual and academic expertise, a standard that is not provincial, grotesquely ambitious, and rigid, but measured and tasteful, distinguished, and most importantly, broad.

Currently, there is a lack of an international level, a standard that would show the functionality of certain global civilizational values and united minds in practice, both locally, regionally, and internationally. Many important projects have fallen apart due to human vanity, ego, and the “divide and conquer” mentality. We have learned many new notions during the transition, but we still have not learned the appropriate comportment, or how to function in a community or civil society. I think these three institutions could gather around them the best local and international representatives and this project would be ideal for those who are not afraid of new beginnings and who enjoy creating new and virtuous traditions.

Damir Nikšić is a conceptual artist, performer, and social commentator whose work explores political, social, and cultural themes through a critical and often ironic lens. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts Sarajevo in 2000, specializing in painting, and completed his postgraduate studies in 2004 at the University of Arizona, earning a Master of Fine Arts and Art History. Nikšić’s practice spans video, installation, performance, and drawing, often engaging directly with contemporary societal issues, including identity, post-war transition, institutional critique, and global perceptions of the Balkans. His work blends provocation, humor, and sharp political insight, challenging audiences to reconsider entrenched assumptions. He has exhibited extensively across Europe, the United States, and the Balkans, including participation in the Venice Biennale in 2003. Nikšić has been associated with the Maximum Art Group and has developed a reputation for creating accessible art that reaches diverse audiences, frequently using digital platforms to extend the impact of his work. Throughout his career, Nikšić has emphasized the role of the artist as an engaged citizen, advocating for art that interrogates power structures and stimulates dialogue. His oeuvre reflects a commitment to combining conceptual rigor with social consciousness, positioning him as one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most prominent contemporary artists.