UNDERSTANDING THE BALKANS - THE BALKANS AND GLOBALISATION

[Claudia Westermann]

Hi,

I would be interested in a few things. Maybe it's possible to explain.

I have taken some passages out of this text.

http://www.scca.org.mk/utb/syn_pandilovski.htm
Melentie PANDILOVSKI (Macedonia) The Position of Culture in Southeast Europe
CURRENT SITUATION IN THE FIELD OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE REGION OF 
SOUTHEAST EUROPE

[...]
The education policies have remained stiffened and unable to follow the 
international standards.
[...]

what is the current educational situation ?
what about technology standards at universities ?
who is able to attend universities ?
what about females and education ? is there a difference to male education ?

[...]
As a specific of the artists in the region it is worth pointing out that 
there is no functioning art market so that the establishing of conditions 
for it (financial, infrastructure) would only be greeted.
[...]

maybe artists in the Balkan countries do not produce decoration ?
I somehow have the feeling that the art market is pretty much interested in 
'decoration'. ( well, this might be a a little exaggerated, but I think 
that decoration plays some role in it.) companies are not so much 
interested in works that are offensively political. they are interested  in 
works that also work as 'decor' for their buildings. and for most of the 
private collectors it is the same. the art market I would say works pretty 
much on a level of providing 'image'. so the artist finds him/herself in 
the position of serving this need of 'image'. I do not think that this 
should be the leading role of art. so I am not so sure if I would ask for 
this. Arent't there different concepts ?

greetings
Claudia