Milutin Petrović, a prominent Serbian director, has announced the formation of a new association named the Association of Radio-Television, Film and Stage Creators (ARTIS). This initiative aims to address the gaps left by existing associations in Serbia’s cultural landscape. ARTIS is set to hold its founding assembly in three weeks, marking a significant step towards resolving long-standing issues concerning the status and legal regulations for creators in the fields of radio-television, film, and theater.
The announcement follows a promotional gathering held on September 13 at the Doma Omladine in Belgrade, which was not open to the media. Petrović explained that this initial meeting was intended for internal discussions among potential members. He emphasized that ARTIS seeks to offer benefits that other associations do not currently provide, aiming to unite various branches of the arts under one umbrella.
The need for a new association arises from perceived inadequacies in existing organizations, which Petrović claims have failed to address critical issues due to inactivity and insufficient legal knowledge. ARTIS intends to tackle these challenges by focusing on the status of authors and neglected creators, such as FTV editors, sound designers, and directors of photography. The association also plans to engage in dialogue with state institutions to influence future legal regulations.
Despite these ambitious goals, the exact membership and support base for ARTIS remain unclear. Petrović acknowledged that many potential members are already affiliated with other associations, but he expressed confidence that ARTIS would offer unique advantages that could attract a broad membership.
The establishment of ARTIS comes at a time when there is ongoing discussion about the representation and support for creators in the Serbian arts scene. Previous associations have faced criticism for their lack of activity and effectiveness in advocating for creators’ rights. By addressing these issues, ARTIS aims to fill a crucial gap in the cultural sector.
Srđan Dragojević, a well-known director and member of the largest existing association, UFUS AFA, which boasts over 600 members, was unaware of ARTIS’s formation. He expressed skepticism about the new association’s potential impact, suggesting that it might struggle to sustain itself beyond October 25. Dragojević’s comments highlight the challenges ARTIS may face in establishing its relevance and credibility within the arts community.
ARTIS’s registration process has not been without hurdles. According to the Register of Associations of the Agency for Economic Registers (APR), ARTIS was initially founded on July 16, but its registration application was rejected due to procedural errors. Petrović did not specify whether the upcoming assembly would serve as a corrective measure for these issues.
The formation of ARTIS reflects broader concerns within the Serbian cultural sector about the influence of daily political agendas on artistic work. The association aims to maintain a firm stance against such involvement, advocating for the autonomy and integrity of creative projects.
As ARTIS prepares for its official launch, the arts community in Serbia will be watching closely to see how the new association differentiates itself from existing organizations and what specific benefits it will offer to its members. The success of ARTIS will largely depend on its ability to effectively address the needs of creators and navigate the complexities of the cultural landscape in Serbia.
