HERE ARE THE WINNERS OF THE FIRST "ŠA FEST" SCHOLARSHIPS

Following a successful festival held in late July last year in Prijedor, ŠA Fest has accumulated significant funds for the operations of the Dalibor Popović Mikša Fund, whose primary goal is to develop art and the creative industry in the region by supporting talented musicians and artists through scholarships and the production of their artistic works, co-financing exhibitions, purchasing instruments, recording music materials, organizing concerts, and similar activities.

The winners of the first cycle of scholarships from the Dalibor Popović Mikša Fund for the 2023/2024 academic year, which focused on students of art academies and faculties, are: Omer Karadžić from Prijedor, a student at the Academy of Arts Banja Luka; Stefan Kovačević from Ugljevik, a student of design and graphics at the Academy of Arts SPU Bijeljina; and Pavle Selaković from Užice, a student at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Trebinje.

At the beginning of 2024, the ŠA Fest Association announced a competition for the first cycle of scholarships from the Dalibor Popović Mikša Fund for the academic year 2023/2024, targeting students in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of art academies and faculties, regardless of their study program.

The ŠA Fest Fund, named after one of the most famous young artists in the painting and music scene of Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who inspired many post-war generations with his work, songs, and watercolors, has provided financial support for three scholarships to students, ranked by the committee in accordance with the published regulations.

The basic criteria used to evaluate students and determine the ranking list included: grade point average, portfolio grade, social status, participation in volunteer and socially responsible activities, participation in colonies and competitions, and the number of awards won. Out of all the applicants who met the basic requirements, seven students made it to the shortlist, with Omer, Pavle, and Stefan topping the table in terms of points.

The scholarships will last for 9 months, with a monthly stipend of 200 BAM (Bosnian Convertible Mark) for each selected student. Scholarship recipients from the Dalibor Popović Mikša Fund are required to complete the academic year on time and, as far as possible, participate in the preparation and implementation of ŠA Fest festival activities.

Throughout the year, the ŠA Fest Association plans to announce a second cycle of scholarships from the Fund, targeting students from music academies and faculties of dramatic arts, as well as a competition for production-publishing and promotional support for young and promising demo bands.

The activities of the ŠA Fest Fund and the realization of its goals this year were greatly assisted by the City of Prijedor, Mayor Slobodan Javor and Dragoslov Kabić, as well as the Cabinet of the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, who recognized the importance of ŠA Fest and ensured the survival of the event, as well as the realization of an attractive music and artistic program. Equally important are all the volunteers and members of the ŠA team who, over the years, fully or partially waived their deserved daily allowances and fees to help the city on the Sana River gain, develop, and maintain one of the largest and highest-quality urban events in the region, and to allow the Fund for Creatives to thrive and operate in line with its objectives. There are also all the citizens of Prijedor, known and anonymous donors, guests and visitors, fans and true lovers of ŠA - a loyal audience who knows that ŠA Fest is not just a music festival.

ŠA is an idea and emotion, ŠA is an obligation, ŠA is a continuation of a life and artistic concept that becomes a cultural necessity for an increasing number of people year after year - stated the ŠA Fest organizers.