As part of the action plan for visiting grant recipients, Sanja Arnautović—Head of the Department for Cultural Institutions and Associations within the Culture Sector of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports—visited the Center for Culture and the Development of Performing Arts, Music, and Literature, as well as the Development of Democracy through Cultural Activities (East West Center) on September 11, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to oversee the implementation of the “8th Sarajevo Fest 2026” project, which received funding from the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports.

The 8th Sarajevo Fest 2026, an international arts festival produced by the East West Center, took place from 31 August to 7 September, 2026. Centered on the theme of “Life,” this year’s edition featured a diverse international program that provided a platform for contemporary artistic expression, the meeting of local and international artists, and cultural dialogue. Through its previous editions, the festival has established itself as a significant international event that contributes to the development of the theater and arts scene, as well as to the international cultural visibility of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

All planned project activities were carried out as part of the festival program, including guest performances by international theater productions and other artistic and supplementary program events. The program introduced contemporary artistic practices to the audience and facilitated connections between the Bosnian-Herzegovinian cultural scene and artists and productions from various European countries.

The monitoring process involved a review of promotional materials, media coverage, and other documentation related to the implemented program activities and the project’s public visibility.

Upon gathering and compiling all relevant documentation required for reporting, the East West Center will submit the complete financial documentation and the narrative report on project implementation to the Ministry, in accordance with contractual obligations and prescribed deadlines.

Through its international character and diverse artistic program, the “8th Sarajevo Fest 2026” project contributes to the promotion of contemporary theatrical and artistic creation, international cultural exchange, and the integration of local artists into the European cultural scene, while simultaneously strengthening the position of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a hub for encounter, dialogue, and contemporary art.