The event was organized as part of the jubilee - the fifth year of the existence of the CIM Forum Kotor, which marked this project's significant step towards internationalization and positioning on the European scene as a relevant platform for connecting creative professionals from different fields - film, media, design, architecture and music. As a platform for the meeting of different creative worlds, CIM continues to build bridges between ideas, people and cultures.
The program was opened by Branimir Žugić, co-founder and program director of CIM Forum Kotor, who emphasized the importance of authentic networking and international cooperation: "From the very beginning, we wanted to create a space where people truly connect - and it is precisely this spirit of CIM that we are bringing from Kotor to Vienna today, confirming itself as a natural partner in the development of creative bridges."
In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of Montenegro to Austria, H.E. Stanica Anđić, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and networking: "The CIM Vienna event clearly demonstrated how creative exchange can be translated into concrete cooperation, bringing together entrepreneurs and creatives and creating space for dialogue, inspiration and the development of new initiatives."
As part of the panel on creative industries and international cooperation, Reanne Leuning from Advantage Austria pointed out the importance of strategic networking and international partnerships, while film director and producer Michael Stoeger spoke about the role of art in connecting cultures and emphasized that cooperation today represents the basis for the advancement of contemporary creative practices.
From an international perspective, Wen Liu, Creative Director at MARS Studio, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in a globally connected world, while in segments dedicated to architecture, brand and strategy, as well as career development in the creative industries, participants Nikola Novaković, Tamara Kramer and Katarina Stanisavljević highlighted the importance of authenticity, heritage and clear communication as key elements of contemporary creativity.
The musical segment of the evening was marked by Petra Radulović, soprano, and Anela Cindrak, accordionist, who through art presented the power of music, will and personal perseverance, symbolically connecting Austria and Montenegro and confirming that music remains the universal language of cooperation.
The closing speech was given by Kristina Gačević, co-founder and executive director of CIM Forum Kotor, who extended an invitation for the next edition in Kotor: "Five years of CIM Forum confirm that we have built a strong community of professionals, contacts, ideas and cooperation. The event in Vienna represents our step into Europe and the beginning of even more intensive international networking."
In addition to the formal part, the event was also marked by a strong networking segment in a relaxed atmosphere, for which the CIM Forum is recognizable, further strengthening the exchange of ideas and potential future cooperation among participants.
As part of the next edition of the CIM Forum in Kotor, the CC4WBs Networking Event will be organized, supported by UNESCO through the "Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans" (CC4WBs) project, funded by the European Union and jointly managed by UNESCO, the British Council and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
CIM Forum Kotor continues to develop as a leading regional platform for creative industries, with a clear vision - connecting, exchanging and co-creating without borders, confirming that creativity most easily crosses borders when there is space for meeting and dialogue.
Festival Partners: Sponsor: Municipality of Kotor Official Network: Crnogorski Telekom Official Bank: CKB Bank Health Corner Sponsor: Astra Zeneca IT Partner: Logate
Vienna networking event host: Regus Palais Vienna
