Opening of the AR gallery: Sarajevo and Vienna united in the Vijećnica

Opening of the AR gallery: Sarajevo and Vienna united in the Vijećnica

An exciting cultural event awaits the Viennese and Sarajevans in a very short time. On September 14, 2025 at 7 p.m., the city's green showcase, Gradska vijećnica in Sarajevo, will become the setting for a unique artistic experience. As part of the “Culture on the Streets!” program of the National Theater Sarajevo, K1_ARt.bridges.∆{Vienna↔Sarajevo} will be ceremoniously opened. This is the first permanent augmented reality (AR) gallery connecting Vienna and Sarajevo, like Radio Sarajevo reported.

The gallery will be an artistic network installation of nine AR artworks presented in public spaces in both cities. Visitors can experience the works of art on their smartphones or tablets using the free K1_ARt app. The locations of the works include, among others, the Latinska ćuprija and the Gradska vijećnica in Sarajevo as well as Heldenplatz and the Danube Canal in Vienna.

An intermedia highlight

To properly introduce the evening, guests can expect an intermedia performance artist called EIDOLON:44°/Klangfeld/Ⰲremen, presented by the talented artist Belma Bešlić-Gál. This performance is complemented by impressive light and sound installations, vibrant electronics and DJ sets. The official opening includes speeches from various personalities, including the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Canton of Sarajevo, Kenan Magoda, and the Ambassador of Austria, Georg Diwald.

The entire event is brought to life by the Vienna platform Kultur1 and in collaboration with the Mak Dizdar Foundation and the National Theater Sarajevo. The British Council is also supporting the event through knowledge exchange and commitments from the Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) project, funded by the European Union.

Creative urban design

This fascinating project is part of a larger trend in which public art is increasingly being used to enrich urban life. Interactive installations and digital technologies promote active participation and personalized experiences, which is visible in numerous cities such as Berlin, where art contributes to the revitalization of neighborhoods. The collaboration between artists, communities and technologists plays a central role here, as the learning city highlights.

Innovative projects such as AR murals, which can be seen in Belgrade and Novi Sad, already show how such artistic approaches can increase awareness of local history and culture. These AR murals combine traditional wall art with digital elements to create interactive experiences and connect the community more closely. Similar to them, K1_ARt's installations also aim to enliven urban spaces and provide a platform for cultural exchange.

With free participation in the opening of this unique project, K1_ARt.bridges.∆{Vienna↔Sarajevo} promises to become a place where art and technology merge in a creative way. Be there and experience how this extraordinary initiative bridges the gap between our two cities and creates space for shared experiences.