As part of the Action Plan for visits to beneficiaries of approved funding, on 24 September 2026, Sanja Arnautović, Head of the Department for Institutions and Associations in the Field of Culture within the Culture Sector of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, visited the beneficiary, the “Realstage” Association Sarajevo, with the aim of monitoring the implementation of the project “Sarajevo Theatre Showcase”, supported by the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Held in Sarajevo from 11 to 13 September 2026, the Sarajevo Theatre Showcase 2026 is an international professional platform that connects contemporary theatre productions from Southeast Europe with international professionals, institutions, and opportunities for touring, co-productions, and future collaboration. Under this year’s theme, “The Art of Connection”, the event brought together a series of interconnected programme segments encompassing theatre performances, new dramatic texts, projects in development, residency programmes, professional networking events, and discussions dedicated to contemporary theatre practice.

All planned programme activities were successfully implemented, with approximately 265 participants, including artists, directors, playwrights, producers, curators, festival representatives, theatre professionals, cultural institutions, and professional networks from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, Europe, and beyond. The project’s particular significance lies in creating direct opportunities for the international presentation of regional theatre productions, fostering new partnerships, co-productions, and future touring engagements.

The programme featured a selection of contemporary theatre productions, presentations of projects in development through the Industry Pitch platform, initiatives dedicated to new dramatic writing and emerging theatre professionals, residency and educational programmes, as well as professional meetings and discussions. Throughout the event, Sarajevo became a vibrant meeting point for the regional and international theatre community.

During the monitoring visit, promotional and publicity materials, media coverage, and other documentation related to the implemented programme activities and the project’s public visibility were reviewed.

Upon completion of all reporting requirements, the “Realstage” Association Sarajevo will submit to the Ministry the full financial documentation and narrative report on the implementation of the project, in accordance with contractual obligations and prescribed deadlines.

The project “Sarajevo Theatre Showcase” contributes significantly to the development and international recognition of professional theatre production in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. By creating a space for connecting artists and theatre professionals with international partners, it opens new opportunities for co-productions, guest performances, and long-term professional collaboration.