Slovenian Women's Union of America NYC

In September, symposium entitled Slovenia - Past and Present was organized by Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs East Central European Center in collaboration with Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts and Consulate General of Slovenia in New York. It included opening remarks by Dr. Metod Milač, President of Society of Slovene Studies, and a keynote address by Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and Chairman of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) followed by a number of interesting presentations on diverse academic topics.

In his presentation Slovenian History: Between Myth and Realty, Dr. Oto Luthar spoke about power of myth and need for continuous examination of supposedly established historic facts, as well as numerous difficulties historians face when trying to decide on the actual course of events that concern politically sensitive historical periods. Dr. Mirjam Milharčič Hladnik gave a wonderful presentation outlining various common themes in her extensive body of research consisting of numerous personal and moving stories of Slovenian women who immigrated to the United States in Slovenian Emigrants' Perception of America. Dr. Jeffrey David Turk spoke about the recent economic successes as well as current challenges facing Slovenia in a provocatively titled presentation The Failure of Economics and Slovenia's Remarkable Development. Finally, Dr. Marina Grzinič Mauhler explored recent trends and raised interesting and intellectually stimulating connections between the Arts, creativity and politics in Re-Politization of Art in Relation to Creativity and Resistance.

Following the presentations, discussion panels and Q&A periods, attendees were invited to the lobby for opening ceremony of the Exhibition of Slovenian Design and Architecture, including Any sharp objects? -- Contemporary Slovenian Textile and Fashion Design by SOTO (a group of nineteen designers), Martin Bricelj's Memory: A History of Slovenian Graphic Design, and Sixpack - Contemporary Slovenian Architecture featuring the work of six young Slovenian architectural practitioners. Warm welcoming remarks from Consul General Ms. Alenka Suhadolnik (SWUA Branch 93 member!) facilitated this wonderful opportunity for symposium attendees of diverse professional and academic backgrounds to chat over good Slovenian wine and tasty hors d'oeuvres.


New York City Branch of Slovenian Women's Union of America