Under the skillful fingers of Uroš Bonšek, texts are created that have been informing us about the cultural happenings in the Šiška Cinema for many years. Over the years, he has noticed that there is a growing trend in Slovenia of obtaining "free" tickets both in the world of important people, let's say celebrities, and last but not least, journalists. He wrote about it, warned us and directed our attention to this problem.
This time it is Uroš Bonšek and his colleagues went one step further with the introduction of the Cultural Euro. He strongly stirred up the hitherto calm company of both journalists and those invited to the "free" enjoyment of concerts and other cultural events.
Where did the idea for introducing the Cultural Euro come from?
The basic idea is to combine social responsibility and let's call it the "free card problem". At the initiative of some journalists, we also included the media in the fundraising project for young bands, which some, fortunately still a small part, did not know or did not want to accept. The reactions of these were very stormy.
How should people view the Cultural Euro? Like an entry fee or a donation?
Those on the guest list, as well as our business partners and sponsors, accepted the idea with enthusiasm and understand it as a donation, as support for the scene, and so does most of the media. Those media that did not accept the idea, do not agree with it, but of course understand the Cultural Euro as an entrance fee to be able to work. I think they misunderstand him.
The introduction of the Cultural Euro angered many. Photo: Jože Svetičič Who will this donation help?
This year we are collecting money for musicians under the age of 25 to record a record, next year for projects in the field of contemporary dance... in short, for fields that are also on the Kina Šiška program.
For all "non-believing Thomases and Thomases"... How will the funds be awarded to young artists?
By purchasing a ticket for 2 euros, donations will be collected in a special account. This year until December 19. We count on around 4,000 euros. The chosen one will conclude a contract with Kino Šiška, with which he will undertake to carry out the project by a certain deadline, and Kino Šiška will undertake to produce a promotional concert and take care of the promotion.
Uroš Bonšek. Photo: Jani UgrinReactions to the introduction of the Cultural Euro were stormy. Why do you think this happened? Where was the biggest misunderstanding?
Among some, fortunately a small part of journalists and photographers, the reactions were very violent. I think that the main reason for such reactions, which sometimes even came down to personal reckoning, is that we interfered with the inviolable fact that journalists have free access to report on an event, that they should simply be allowed to do so. They forgot, however, that all the costs they incur with their reporting must be covered by the employer or client. Some media have already decided to cover these two euros in addition to the fee. Here, we may once again call on the local journalist organizations and the ministry, that instead of demanding from Kino Šišek the elimination of these two euros for journalists, they should rather take care of improving the situation of journalists.
When will we be able to enjoy the first fruits of the Cultural Euro?
We will conclude a contract with the selected or winning contractor or group, in which it will be written that the project must be completed by the end of May 2015.
The winning contractor or group must complete the project by the end of May 2015. Photo: Jože Svetičič
