Ceremonial handover of the reconstructed building of the Music Academy - former British embassy
The rector of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović, Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, and Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. Tamara Vujović, visited the Music Academy of UCG in Cetinje today. The visit was organized for the ceremonial handover of the reconstructed Music Academy building, which was formerly the British embassy.
The project, which involved the restoration of the roof and exterior windows of the former British embassy building, currently used as the Music Academy, was successfully implemented by the University of Montenegro under the title “Creation of a conservation project and implementation of protection measures on the cultural property of the former British embassy, Royal Capital Cetinje.”
Rector Vladimir Božović expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support provided by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Culture and Media to the University, emphasizing the importance of such projects in preserving cultural heritage and improving the infrastructure of higher education institutions. "This project is just one of many infrastructural projects initiated, completed, or underway during this period. The university is committed to creating optimal conditions for the education and work of our students while preserving and promoting cultural values," said Rector Božović.
Minister Jakšić-Stojanović expressed her particular satisfaction with the progress and achievements of this higher education institution, highlighting the importance of the role that educational institutions like this play in shaping future generations of artists.
She emphasized the importance of synergy between education and culture and thanked the rector for the successful cooperation so far.
"Education and culture are two inseparable segments of our society. We cannot talk about educational progress without simultaneously developing cultural awareness. Through the collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Culture and Media, we strive to create a comprehensive approach to education that respects and promotes cultural values," Jakšić-Stojanović stated.
She concluded that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation would continue to support initiatives that contribute to the development of culture and education in Montenegro, with a particular focus on arts education, which forms the foundation for preserving and promoting Montenegro’s identity on the international stage.
Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. Tamara Vujović, noted the symbiotic relationship between culture and education. She mentioned that, through the Protection Program, the Ministry allocated 100,000 euros in 2023 for the restoration and reconstruction of educational facilities.
"Through the Protection Program this year, we planned the reconstruction and work on the Secondary Music School in Podgorica and the Maritime Faculty building in Kotor. Culture and education must be systemically and strategically connected through a unified institutional framework on which both ministries will work. Through curricula and the work of cultural institutions, we must teach children to live with culture and art, as the European Union has recognized cultural expression and awareness as key competencies for sustainable development and life in the 21st century," Vujović said.
She added that the Ministry of Culture would continue funding the "Conservation" study program, ensuring that the renowned Željko Kalezić will have new young conservators to carry out complex tasks.
"These are all cultural properties where special attention and expertise are required, and the Ministry of Culture will allocate funds for the study program for our new graduates to be educated at our Academy," Vujović stated.
The project, which received the majority of funds in last year’s competition for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Property Program of the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, was carried out in collaboration with the Center for Conservation and Archaeology of Montenegro. Dean of the Music Academy, Tatjana Krkeljić, emphasized the urgent need to preserve and maintain the nearly 150-year-old building.
"The roof has been renovated, the windows have been refurbished, the rooms have been upgraded, ensuring that this space is even better and more suitable, primarily for teaching, and for future generations. We are hopeful for the construction of a new Music Academy building, as we have been tenants for forty-five years," Krkeljić noted.
According to the director, Željko Kalezić, the joint efforts of the two ministries, the University, and the Center for Conservation and Archaeology have made a significant contribution to protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Royal Capital.
"This building is one of the most important cultural monuments in Cetinje, and we have put in a lot of effort to bring it back into function after many years," said Kalezić.
Through the Protection and Preservation Program, funds amounting to 100,000 euros were allocated for the restoration of this significant cultural space.