IslanDance concludes its 4th edition

The fourth edition of IslanDance has successfully come to a close, bringing contemporary dance and performance art to the islands of the Zadar archipelago. This year’s edition marked a significant step forward, featuring international guest performances and strengthening the connection between local island communities and the wider European dance scene.

Photo by Adrijana Vidić, Opera Mediterranea

The event opened on July 18th on the island of Iž with the performance Opera Mediterranea by artists Matea Bilosnić and Josipa Štulić, produced by Zadar Dance Ensemble. Inspired by the sounds, scents, and movements of the Mediterranean and the reflections from Predrag Matvejević’s Mediterranean Breviary, the piece offered an intimate experience in the unique setting of the Veli Iž Reading Room.

The second part of the program was planned for August 2nd on the island of Silba, featuring Dancing Through the Summer by Slovenian-Slovak artist Milan Tomášik, accompanied live by Jakub Mudrák. Due to heavy rain, the evening performance had to be postponed, but, despite all challenges, the organizers managed to stage a special morning performance on August 3rd, offering the audience a memorable site-specific experience blending movement, landscape, and live music.

Photo by Marek Jančúch, Dancing Throught the Summer

Launched in 2022 with the mission to bring contemporary art to the islands, IslanDance is artistically shaped by Ida Jolić and Marin Lemić, with creative production by IM industries. This year’s edition was realized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, Zadar County, City of Zadar, and Kultura Nova Foundation, and organized by Artistic Organization ON/A.

The fourth edition of IslanDance once again highlighted the project’s role in connecting island communities with contemporary artistic practices and solidified its place on the cultural map of Dalmatia.