50 Artworks for Users of the Vinko Bek Center

At the Arena Center in Zagreb, 50 decorative medallions have been presented, painted exclusively for this occasion by 50 Croatian visual artists, referencing their previous work and recognizable expression. Unique, double-sided painted medallions are the pinnacle of the artistic project and successful collaboration between the Arena Center and the Croatian Association of Visual Artists for the second consecutive year. With their vision and vibrant colors, they will give a special shine to the center itself and make it a favorite place for holiday gatherings, as well as an essential location for all those who wish to choose a suitable gift for their loved ones and enjoy a special artistic, Christmas atmosphere. An additional dimension of this commendable collaboration is its humanitarian character, as all proceeds from the sale of the medallions at the Arena Center will be donated to the Vinko Bek Center for the blind and visually impaired. This beautiful gesture brings the warmth of Christmas to our blind and visually impaired fellow citizens’ homes and promises a better and happier new year, as the donation will be directed towards promoting rehabilitation programs, primarily in equipping daily skills cabinets and vision exercise rooms.

The medallions, painted by Ana Kolega, Mirna Sišul, Danko Friščić, Ana Sladetić, Ivana Pipal, Damir Sobota, Melinda Šefčić, and many others, give the Arena Center an extra dimension and make the ceiling of this shopping center a true gallery and aesthetic experience for visitors.

“On behalf of the HDLU, I would like to thank the Arena Center for showing trust in visual artists for the second consecutive year and inviting us to enrich one of the busiest spaces in the city of Zagreb with our activities and artistic works. Besides the humanitarian note of the project, which is already a strong incentive for collaboration, we are particularly pleased that 50 unique artworks will enrich 50 Croatian homes and become part of our fellow citizens’ daily lives,” said Ivana Andabaka, director of HDLU.

Josip Zanki, president of HDLU, emphasized: “An artist must be present and active in society. One such activity is this project, which has a humanitarian dimension and promotes a new role for artists in society as someone who is socially engaged and thinks of the common good, becoming recognizable beyond the classical and last framework of artistic activity.”

These 50 painted medallions will be available for purchase through an online platform, and all interested parties will be able to bid, that is, set a price for the artwork of their choice. The starting price is a symbolic 500 kuna, and the further amount is determined exclusively by the buyers. Additionally, the works will also be available for purchase at a live auction in the Arena Center every Advent Sunday from 6 to 7 PM (November 27, December 4, December 11, and December 18).

“As representatives of the Arena Center, we are truly happy and proud to be part of this project, continuing the collaboration that started last year. This is a project that communicates with the public on so many levels, whether it promotes Croatian art or philanthropy and giving donations and support to various causes. We are happy that institutions have recognized us as a good partner, while our visitors do not see the Arena Center merely as a space intended for shopping, but with its contents, we become part of everyday life,” said Sanja Vladović, marketing director of the Arena Center.