The collaboration was formalized with a memorandum of understanding, signed by festival directors Ratimir Martinović and Li Ming, in the presence of Kotor’s Mayor Vladimir Jokić, Shanghai’s Vice Mayor Liu Duo, and Chinese Ambassador to Montenegro, Fan Kun. This partnership promises vibrant exchanges of performers, artistic programs, and joint productions, enhancing the cultural ties between the two cities.
Mayor Jokić, along with Shanghai officials, discussed the vast potential for collaboration in areas such as tourism, digital technology, IT, healthcare, and education. Jokić shared Kotor’s rich cultural heritage and expressed eagerness to partner in these diverse fields, continuing the artistic exchange that has already begun.
The meeting was attended by key figures from Kotor, including Assembly President Maja Mršulja and Director of the Kotor Tourist Organization Jovan Ristić.
KotorArt also joined the Shanghai Consensus, becoming part of the Silk Road initiative, an international festival network uniting some of the world’s greatest festivals from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Malaysia
Martinović emphasized that this collaboration showcases Kotor and Montenegro’s place on the world stage, highlighting the importance of learning from each other in culture, tourism, economic development, and higher education.