CIM IN VIENNA – A STEP FORWARD TOWARD THE EUROPEAN CREATIVE SCENE

The city of Vienna hosted the event “CIM Vienna – Networking Event: The Alchemy of Connection,” bringing together prominent professionals from the fields of creative industries, arts, business, and international cooperation.

The event was organized as part of the fifth anniversary of the CIM Forum Kotor, marking a significant step toward internationalization and positioning the initiative on the European stage as a relevant platform for connecting creative professionals across film, media, design, architecture, and music. As a meeting point of diverse creative worlds, CIM continues to build bridges between ideas, people, and cultures.

The program was opened by Branimir Žugić, co-founder and program director of CIM Forum Kotor, who emphasized the importance of authentic connections and international collaboration:

“From the very beginning, we wanted to create a space where people truly connect—and today we bring that spirit of CIM from Kotor to Vienna, which is proving to be a natural partner in developing creative bridges.”

In her opening remarks, Stanica Anđić, Ambassador of Montenegro to Austria, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and collaboration:

“The CIM Vienna event clearly demonstrated how creative exchange can translate into concrete cooperation, bringing together entrepreneurs and creatives while creating space for dialogue, inspiration, and the development of new initiatives.”

During the panel on creative industries and international cooperation, Reanne Leuning from Advantage Austria emphasized the importance of strategic networking and international partnerships. Film director and producer Michael Stoeger spoke about the role of art in connecting cultures, stressing that collaboration is essential for the advancement of contemporary creative practices.

From an international perspective, Wen Liu, creative director at M.A.R.S. Studio, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in an increasingly interconnected world. In sessions dedicated to architecture, branding, strategy, and career development in the creative industries, participants Nikola Novaković, Tamara Kramer, and Katarina Stanisavljević stressed authenticity, heritage, and clear communication as key elements of modern creative work.

The musical segment of the evening featured soprano Petra Radulović and accordionist Anela Cindrak, who showcased the power of music, determination, and personal perseverance, symbolically connecting Austria and Montenegro and reaffirming music as a universal language of collaboration.

The closing remarks were delivered by Kristina Gačević, co-founder and executive director of CIM Forum Kotor, who invited participants to the next edition in Kotor:

“Five years of CIM Forum confirm that we have built a strong community of professionals, connections, ideas, and collaborations. The event in Vienna represents our step into Europe and the beginning of even more intensive international networking.”

In addition to its formal program, the event was marked by a strong networking segment held in a relaxed atmosphere—one of the defining features of CIM Forum—further strengthening the exchange of ideas and potential future collaborations among participants.

As part of the next edition of CIM Forum in Kotor, the CC4WBs Networking Event will also be organized, supported by UNESCO through the project “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs), funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UNESCO, the British Council, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

CIM Forum Kotor continues to grow as a leading regional platform for creative industries, guided by a clear vision—connection, exchange, and collective creation without borders—proving that creativity most easily transcends boundaries when there is space for meeting and dialogue.