“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” -Henry James

During difficult times, kindness becomes even more important than it is every day. Everyone struggles, whether they appear to or not. Each person that you see carries some sort of weight that informs the way they engage with the world around them. Be kind and gentle, do not presume to know what others hold within the depths of their heart. Face each encounter with a gentle, open heart. Be patient. Put into the world that which you would like to receive.

Ljiljana Radošević is based in Belgrade, Serbia. She is currently working with colleagues on a project titled Urban Heritage Hub in which they endeavor to preserve archives of graffiti and street art throughout the region. The project is based online which turns out to perfectly suit the present moment as the world turns to virtual outlets while in quarantine from the Coronavirus pandemic. The artists intend to create a virtual museum to allow people to experience street art which is not suited to a physical gallery or museum. For more than 20 years, Radošević has been interviewing graffiti and street artists as a companion to the photographs of their work. In the archives, the interviews and photographs will be paired to expand and explain each artist’s work. The project is a piece of Radošević’s work as an art historian. To hear more about her work and career, listen to the complete interview.

Greg de Cuir Jr also spoke to us from Belgrad, Serbia where he has been living and working for almost 15 years. He is originally from Los Angeles. He reported that there is a lot of reluctance, activity and struggle related to the pandemic in Belgrade while the city and the nation watches anxiously as the virus spreads. It was his studies that initially led de Cuir Jr to Serbia to continue his studies in film history. The art culture there is vastly different to the U.S. in that there is very little art market while there is a ministry of culture as well as embassies and cultural organizations that offer funding to artists. Presently de Cuir Jr is working independently as a curator, writer and translator. The project that is closest to completion is his first online exhibition organized by Media City Film Festival. The exhibition is titled Radical Acts of Care. To hear more about this work and other projects, listen tot he complete interview.