The historical military site Arsenale the Macedonian pavilionofficially opened as part of the 15th most prestigious world event in the sphere of architecture - the Architecture Biennale in Venice (Biennale di Venezia).
The ceremonial promotion of this year's national representative, the "No Man's Land" project by architectural studio Stone Design, was opened by Macedonian Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska.
The participation of this world renowned international event, she said, is exceptionally significant for Macedonia, hence with the support of the Culture Ministry, the architectural works of Macedonian authors have been continually promoted at this event.
"The Republic of Macedonia has made several presentations at the Venice Biennale in the past years, which have established the country at a global architecture stage, and have offered fresh and innovative accomplishments. In that sense, I am convinced that "No Man's Land" will bring the current creative ideas of Macedonian architects closer to the European and world public, and will provoke the visitors to get to know Macedonian culture and artistic values," Kanceska-Milevska said.
She added that the "No Man's Land" project, mentored by Dr. Ivanka Apostolova, is the work of four young Skopje-based architects - Stojan Pavleski, Ivan Simeonov, Gjorgji Radovanovic, and Ljupco Tasevski, who have implemented the essential elements profiled in this year's theme of the Biennale - "Reporting from the Front".
"The project'architectural language has a strong individual and suggestive dimension, in terms of creating a unique, mutual, and spacious presentation - a city for all, no man's or every man's land... It matches our reality and motivates us to wonder if we can easily see ourselves in the role of a migrant, emigrant, or a resident of a no man's or every man's land," said the Culture Minister.
The opening of the Macedonian pavilion was attended by the Macedonian consul in Venice, Ashim Zekirovski. Prior to the opening ceremony, the Culture Minister, invited by her counterpart Ivan Tasovac, attended the opening of the Serbian pavilion of the Venice Biennale.
This year's biennale, held from May 28 - November 27, features a total of 61 countries, and the first-time participants include Kazakhstan, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Yemen. The selector of the Grand Prix of the architectural exhibit is the renowned architect Alejandro Aravena from Chile, who has won a Pritzker award, commonly referred to as 'the Nobel Prize in architecture'.