Glass: From Industrial Heritage to the Creative Economy

18.03.2026. On Friday, 3 April 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Kanvas community space, we will present the publication “Glass: Heritage, Art, Creative Economy, Technology”, edited by Prof. Dr. Hristina Mikić – a unique edition that explores glass as a fusion of tradition, art, science, and the contemporary creative economy.

The book brings together multidisciplinary works and conversations with international artists, opening discussions on industrial heritage, innovation, sustainable development, and new approaches to museology. Special focus is given to the transformation of glassmaking – from craft to contemporary creative and technological expression – as well as the role of younger generations in preserving and developing craftsmanship, and the integrated approach to industrial glass heritage as a foundation for the development of the creative economy.

The discussion will offer answers and new perspectives on questions such as: How can industrial heritage inspire contemporary creativity and the development of local communities? What do young people think about crafts, and how do they inspire them? What is the role of glassmaking technology and glass as a material? What is the concept of “creative glass”, and how does it connect tradition with the creative economy? Can museums focus on the creative interpretation of glass, and what does that look like?

Participants in the event include: Prof. Dr Hristina Mikić, Estela Radonjić-Živkov, Msr Tamara Ognjević, Dr. Jelena Nikolić, Dr. Ana Vujošević, Dr. Ivana Mišković, Dragana Tomić Pilipović, Dejan Vorgić, and Prof. Dr. Edin Jašarović.

The publication was created as legacy of Serbian-American cooperation on the preservation and revitalisation of Paraćin glassmaking through the initiative Creative Glass of Serbia, with the support of the Republic of Serbia – Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of the United States of America.