The guest on the Standard Classic Radio programme “Where Culture (Doesn’t) Belong” was Branka Savčić, the long-serving director of the Serbian Cultural and Artistic Society (SKUD) “Semberija” in Bijeljina. On this occasion, she pointed out that tradition and culture are, unfortunately, greatly neglected and often forgotten. However, she believes that this “code” exists within every person living in the territory of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the only question is how to awaken it.

“When I joined SKUD ‘Semberija’, I realised just how undervalued culture and tradition were. At the same time, I understood that this ‘code’ lies dormant within us and that all it takes is to touch it and awaken it. Although folklore, traditional costumes and folk dances are not considered ‘fashionable’ among young people, every celebration still ends with a kolo, a traditional circle dance characteristic of a particular region. This means that we carry within us the heritage of our great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers, and that is why we must pass it on to our children,” Savčić stated.

She pointed out that during the thirteen years she spent at the helm of SKUD “Semberija”, there had been many ups and downs. Throughout her entire tenure, however, she consistently fought for better working conditions for her colleagues, a larger budget and new positions that would improve the quality of the organisation’s work.

“One of the setbacks came when all our traditional costumes were destroyed in the severe floods that struck Bijeljina and the Semberija region. A single set of costumes for just one choreography costs around 17,000 to 18,000 convertible marks. We nevertheless managed to get back on our feet, employ a professionally trained music teacher to lead the orchestra and increase our budget allocation. Our goal was to represent our city in the best possible light at performances and competitions. Thanks to the tremendous dedication and hard work of all our members, as well as the support of individuals and institutions, we persevered and became an even stronger organisation,” Savčić emphasised.

Branka Savčić’s versatility extends beyond the field of culture. She has completed two university degrees—one in Economics and another in Political Science—and also served during the Defensive-Patriotic War, reaching the rank of major by the end of the conflict.

“As a young woman, I imagined living by the sea, writing poetry and having a dog sitting beside me. Life had other plans, and instead of leading me into the world of literature, it sent me into the turmoil of war. Despite all the hardships, there were beautiful moments, too, because amid the chaos of war I met my future husband, the love of my life, and later our daughter was born. Under fire, there was no time to think about art and literature, but they were always part of my inner self—even in such difficult times,” Savčić added.

To hear more about Branka Savčić’s love of poetry, first noticed by her primary school teachers; the River Drina, which accompanied her journey from Goražde to Bijeljina, where she lives today; and her determined efforts to secure better working conditions for the Serbian Cultural and Artistic Society “Semberija”, listen to the programme “Where Culture (Doesn’t) Belong” on Standard Classic Radio.

You can listen to the programme at the link below:

https://standardclassic.ba/gdje-se-fura-nekultura

Let us restore culture to the place it deserves in society!

Your Standard Classic Radio!