The Istrian town of Vodnjan this year again opens its doors to the international art scene, confirming its position as an important cultural center. The art colony Arte in situ, which has been held for the seventeenth consecutive year, will once again breathe life into the picturesque streets of Vodnjan, transforming it into a dynamic open-air studio. The main initiators of this significant cultural event are the renowned artists Solidea Guerra and Boris Roce, who, with the wholehearted support of the Tourist Board of the Town of Vodnjan, tirelessly work on promoting art and cultural exchange.

Initiators and Vision of the Colony

Solidea Guerra, a versatile artist – ceramicist, painter, and sculptor – originally from Vodnjan, is the key figure behind the success of the Arte in situ colony. Her vision and enthusiasm attract artists from different parts of the world to her hometown every year. During their stay, which lasts from seven to fourteen days, participants have the opportunity not only to create but also to live Vodnjan, absorbing its unique atmosphere, colors, textures, and the rich history and stories of its inhabitants. Boris Roce, also a prominent artist and art educator, contributes with his experience and dedication to the organization and profiling of the colony as a relevant international gathering. Their shared passion for art and desire to enrich the cultural offer of Vodnjan have resulted in an event that has become a recognizable symbol of the town.

The colony began as a ceramics symposium in 2006, but over the years it has evolved, expanding its horizons and embracing different artistic media and expressions. Today, Arte in situ represents a multimedia event that celebrates creativity in all its forms, from classical painting and sculptural techniques to contemporary installations and performances. This transformation reflects the dynamism of the contemporary art scene and the organizers' openness to new ideas and approaches.

Creative Process and Inspiration by Vodnjan

One of the fundamental characteristics of the Arte in situ colony is freedom – freedom in the choice of theme and artistic technique. Such an approach encourages artists towards authenticity and exploration of their own artistic expression, freed from formal constraints. The town of Vodnjan, with its layered cultural and historical heritage, becomes an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Its stone streets, picturesque facades, hidden squares, and Mediterranean atmosphere provide a rich palette of motifs and stimuli for artistic creation. Artists are invited to interpret the town through their unique perspective, to capture its subtle details and translate them into works that will later enrich the cultural treasury of the town.

Besides the urban fabric itself, interaction with the local community and other artists also plays an important role in the creative process. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and techniques creates a stimulating environment where new friendships and collaborations are born. The works created during the colony are not only individual artistic expressions but also a reflection of the collective energy and spirit of community that permeates this event. Vodnjan's stories, legends, and daily life become part of the artistic narrative, making each colony a unique chapter in the cultural history of the town.

This Year's Participants and International Character

Arte in situ proudly continues its tradition of international cooperation, gathering artists from as many as seven countries again this year. The diversity of cultural backgrounds and artistic approaches of the participants further enriches the colony, creating a platform for intercultural dialogue and exchange. The participants of the seventeenth edition of the colony are:

• Helene Kirchmair (Austria)


• Stratos Karakitsos (Greece)


• Jelena Kukić (Serbia)


• Marina Mirković (Serbia)


• Henry Marić (Croatia / Great Britain)


• Vesna Kuharić-Ternovec (Croatia)


• Istog Žorž (Croatia)


• Boris Roce (Croatia)


• Solidea Guerra (Croatia / Great Britain)


• Ifigenia Tsirou (Greece)


• George Vavatsis (Greece)


• Duygy Kahraman (Turkey)

Their presence and works will contribute to further strengthening the international reputation of Vodnjan as a town that values and nurtures art. Each of these artists brings with them a unique sensibility and technique, promising a diverse and intriguing final exhibition.

Final Exhibition: Encounter of Art and Audience

The crown of the Arte in situ art colony's work is traditionally the final exhibition, which offers the public an opportunity to peek into the world of the created works and meet the authors. This year's exhibition will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, starting at 18:30 hours. The venue is the charming ambiance of Casa Rosina, located at San Rocco street 48b in Vodnjan. Casa Rosina, with its authentic Istrian atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for the presentation of contemporary art.

Entrance to the exhibition is free, whereby the organizers wish to make art accessible to everyone – the local population, tourists, and all culture enthusiasts. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the works, talk with the artists, and experience Vodnjan from a new, artistic perspective. The exhibition is not just a display of finished works, but also a celebration of the creative process, international cooperation, and the unbreakable bond between the artists and the town that hosted them.

Heritage and Contribution to the Cultural Scene

From its humble beginnings as a ceramics symposium, Arte in situ has grown into a respectable multimedia artistic event that significantly enriches the cultural scene of Istria and Croatia. Over the past sixteen editions, the colony has hosted nearly 200 artists from various countries, generations, and artistic orientations. This impressive number testifies to the continuity, quality, and international recognition of the event.

Every meeting of artists in Vodnjan brings new perspectives, encourages dialogue, and creates lasting connections. The colony has become a place where new ideas are born, friendships are made, and future collaborations are realized. The role of art as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers comes to full expression here. Arte in situ not only promotes contemporary artistic production but also actively contributes to the preservation and promotion of the cultural identity of Vodnjan, while simultaneously opening it up to contemporary artistic currents. The town, once known for its rich history and tradition, is today, thanks also to this colony, recognized as a vibrant artistic center that attracts creatives from all over the world. Works created at the colony often remain as part of the town's cultural heritage, whether through public installations or private collections, further enriching the space and daily life of its inhabitants and visitors.

The organizers, Solidea Guerra and Boris Roce, together with the Tourist Board of the Town of Vodnjan, proudly invite all art lovers, residents of Vodnjan, and visitors to join this unique cultural event. A visit to the final exhibition is an opportunity to experience the pulse of the town through the eyes of artists, to explore new artistic worlds, and to support the continuity of this valuable event, which in the most beautiful way possible combines tradition and modernity, local and global, confirming that Vodnjan is truly a city of art.