Events
Here you can find upcoming and past ISSA Events. If you wish to find out more or participate subscribe to our newsletter or contact us.
Upcoming events
TBA
Past events
anual event
October School
Museum of the Commons, Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb & ISSA
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Museum of the Commons, Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb & ISSA invites you to our “October School” from 21-25. 10. 2025 on the island of Vis exploring the common topic “Moving Beyond Collapse: Reimagining Institutions” with Adania Shibli, Kristin Ross, Robert Perišić, Saša Savanović, Srećko Horvat, Marko Pogačar, Zdenka Badovinac, Bojana Piškur, Theo Prodromidis, Ovidiu Ţichindeleanu, Progressive International, Naan-Aligned cooking, and others read more
October School: Program, Guidelines, People

guided tour

Revolutionary tour through Komiža
Srećko Horvat
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Once a year, through this traditional and atypical tour that you won’t find in the usual tourist guides, the spirit of revolutionary island is awakened. Behind every island and its romantic scenery, there lies a story about resistance and invention of various institutions. Behind every stone on the island of Vis, there is a forgotten or suppressed chapter about revolutionary history. Put on your shoes, take a bottle of water and join us for this collective walk through Komiža. We’re starting at the Church of St. Nicholas – Muster.
talk

Pedagogy in Resistance
Adania Shibli
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How is learning to proceed when unlearning is required? Power structures have been exercising great destructive effects on the act of learning. This requires identifying opportunities and possibilities to counter and modify pedagogical methods and inspirations, in the tradition of Edward Said. To Said, while a relationship of domination can persist in reality, the opportunities for liberation are open and exist as well. For that, we may return to misbehaving, mistranslating and imagining all as a break away from the authority of others and their domination of understanding and knowing such reality.
About Adania Shibli
talk

The Ecological Face of the Commune Form
Kristin Ross
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Contemporary conflicts between land-based movements and state power have reinvented ways of appropriating lived space and time that prove the centrality of the commune form to the making of a post-productionist world. In this talk I will discuss the unscheduled workings of political memory as they pertain to recent figurations of the form Kropotkin once called “the necessary setting for revolution and the means of bringing it about.
About Kristin Ross
conversation

Reimagining Museum
Zdenka Badovinac, Bojana Piškur, Theo Prodromidis, Ovidiu Ţichindeleanu
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Museum of the Commons, four-year project of L’internationale federation of museums, art organizations and universities, seeks to re-imagine institutions through climate awareness, translocal cooperation, and artistic strategies of healing and repair. L’Internationale federation was founded to offer an alternative model to globalizing art institutions that replicate the structures of multinational powers and their centralized distribution of knowledge. Four members of L’Internationale crew will give a short presentation of different reconstructive practices within and around institutions, and discuss how to make museums and public bodies more inclusive, democratic, solidal and resilient.
More about panelists
conversation

Disobedient Institutions
Morana Miljanović, David Adler, Saša Savanović
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In the context of crumbling international institutions and post-war global order, the struggle for our living world, against dominant capitalo-fascist projects, is taking two distinctive directions. On the one hand, groupings of states, such as the Hague Group, are calling for a renewed commitment to international law and a new design of the international system. On the other, a plethora of self-organized social initiatives, from Sea Watch rescue operations to the Global Sumud Flotilla, take matters into their own hands, institutionalizing new practices and transnational solidarities on the go, sometimes even in direct confrontation with state policies and security apparatuses. What are the advantages, successes and failures of these strategies, and how to further think and organise disobedient institutions.
talk

If Islands are the Future, what is the Connective Medium?
Martin Pogačar
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The talk focuses on the conditions that affect the think:practice of peace in early 21st Century, marked by the escalating normalisation of violence in public life, politics, international relations and domestic political spheres, grafted on the legacies of atrocious: emancipatory 20th century. It departs from the present situation where large-scale “world-making” and “peace-keeping” institutional attempts, e.g. the EU and the UN, are systematically delegitimised and unable to contain wars and violence. Employing the maritime metaphor of the island and archipelago, and the sea as a medium, the talk draws on the broader background and implications of post-WWII drive towards a “better future” and Stanislaw Lem’s take on genocide in his work Provocation to probe into the changing terrains and tomorrows of human and other-than-human life. Exploring the mirage of democratic system through contemporary cases of “pragmatic betrayal of values”, the lecture attempts to situate the discussion on peace in a post-institutional setting and attempts to reassess the conditions of planetary connectivity.
About Martin Pogačar
workshop

Naan-Aligned Cooking
Kevin Kenjar
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This extravagant cooking session uphill at ISSA is both an homage to the Non-Aligned Movement and a contemporary exploration of various culinary combinations from its numerous member states. Founded by Rijeka-based anthropologist Kevin Kenjar, Naan-Aligned events feature fusion cuisine that combines culinary traditions from member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, spotlighting the cuisines of these countries and their diasporas while fostering convivial public discussions on colonialism, imperialism, and migration. In that spirit, this year’s workshop will feature culinary innovations, combining the cuisines of NAM member states to be selected and prepared by the workshop’s participants, alongside discussions, hands-on training, and music.
About Kevin Kenjar
screening

War-Torn Ecologies: Resistant Worlds
Angelina Radaković
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Programmed by Odessa Warren, Reem Shadid, Siegrun Salmanian and Angelina Radaković
Exploring themes of land, control, and resistance, this artist film programme focuses on the impact of perpetual colonial realities and counterinsurgency wars on ecologies in Palestine, Lebanon and beyond. Featuring films by Dala Nasser, Pelin Tan, Kamal Aljafari, Ruba Salameh, Sherko Abbas, Shada Safadi and Manal Mahamid.
workshop

Pedagogy in Resistance
Adania Shibli
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The workshop will dive deeper into topics opened by the lecture. The workshop is open to registered participants.
About Adania Shibli
workshop

Dry Stone Walling
Igor Mataić
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The art of building dry stone walls has been an integral part of the Mediterranean for millennia. Moreover, the drywall construction technique has been included in the UNESCO list of intangible heritage of mankind. Pomalo is an association composed of islanders, longtime visitors and friends of the island of Vis united in protecting the cultural heritage, natural environment and sustainable life on the island. Through various workshops, Pomalo trains participants in implementation of sustainable development technologies, like dry stone walling. The workshop is led by Igor Mataić, Doctor of Science specialised in Geotechnics, Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development.
working action

Lunch Making
Together with Mary Ala
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Making lunch for so many people is no easy task, and it is a great learning opportunity. The necessary ingredient to building the school is taking care that our energy is high. Join the cooking session with Mary Ala to help feed everybody. We’ll message the Signal group for volunteers.
razgovor

Alternativna lektira: Brod za Issu
Robert Perišić, Marko Pogačar
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Robert Perišić, jedan od najznačajnijih domaćih prozaika, svoj književni svijet godinama je gradio oko veduta iz urbanog života velegrada, sumorne, ali i humorne tranzicijske svakodnevnice i pripadajuće plejade jednako tipskih i iznimnih likova. Romanom Brod za Issu autor nas, postupkom začudne, meditativne književne arheologije, vodi u vrijeme grčke kolonizacije Jadrana i osnivanja današnjeg Visa. Njegovi protagonisti onovremeni su ljudi, zatim životinje i kulture koje su s Grcima došle da ostanu, predstavljajući živu sponu između epoha, pa čak i prirodne pojave koje sve to – i sam antropocen – promatraju s visine koja relativizira i briše okvire koje smo navikli smatrati nepromjenjivima. Roman smješten u daleku prošlost, koji nam mnogo govori o sadašnjosti i nama samima.
Više o Robertu Perišiću i Marku Pogačaru
screening

Blum: Masters of their own destiny
Jasmila Žbanić
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After WWII, in rural Bosnia and Herzegovina, entrepreneur Emerik Blum built “Energoinvest,” a global company with billion-dollar profits. Leveraging Yugoslavia’s unique position between East and West, it thrived under a self-management model where workers shared in decisions and profits. Through interviews and archives, the film portrays Blum’s visionary leadership, whose methods now seem like science fiction. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the author, prominent Bosnian director Jasmila Žbanić.
hangout

Karaoke with a Cause
Together
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“You gotta fight for your right to… paaarteey”! 🙂 Which songs inspire you, or have a social, political, revolutionary message? Singing together or alone, with choreography or not, but firstly – having fun and putting the shyness in your pocket – you will rock, and the rest will love it. Energetic or gentle songs, joyful or angry lyrics, less or more skilled voices, no experience is needed, everybody is welcome. Also, other formats are welcome: poems, short texts, short plays, or showing any other (less-than) talents!
workshop

Slow photography workshop
Radionica spore fotografije
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Collaboration with Dora Đurkesac/Isabelle Goossens/Nadja Tobias from Plantango collective and Elvis Halilović from ONDU: Exploring the island through chromatography, wet plate photography, sunprint techniques, botanical toning, and herbal developers read more / pročitaj na našem jeziku
predavanje

Predavanje: “Priroda i društvo”
Srećko Horvat će održati javno predavanje “Priroda i društva”
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Splitski Kino klub i ISSA pozivaju sve zainteresirane građane na javna predavanja u okviru interdisciplinarnog programa ‘Skriveni grad‘.
Ovogodišnja tema su ‘Priroda i društvo’, a predavanja u različitim formatima održat će Srećko Horvat, Daša Gazde, Jere Kuzmanić i Tea Truta, dok će produkcijsku radionicu voditi Igor Bezinović i Sunčica Fradelić uz mentorsku podršku Srećka Horvata. read more
Projekcija

Fiume o Morte!
Igor Bezinović
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Projekcija najgledanijeg hrvatskog dokumentarca ikada stiže u Komižu. Zajedno s njime stiže i redatelj Igor Bezinović koji će nam se pridružiti u razgovoru poslije projekcije. pročitaj više
workshop, lectures

ISSA at Wiener Festwochen
ISSA School
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In a world ravaged by endless war, climate collapse and the rise of fascism, what if the radio is not a relic but a tool of revolution for the future? At the site of the former ‘Reichssender Wien’, a workshop with ISSA (the Island School of Social Autonomy) creates Radio Frida – a name that recalls the German word for peace, ‘Frieden’, as well as the title of a famous post-Yugoslav pop song. ISSA is an international school on the Croatian island of Vis that tries out and cultivates forms of exchanging knowledge and autonomy as political strategy.
workshop

Presentation of the Island School of Social Autonomy project
ISSA School
workshop (limited participation)

Circular Water System
Green Network of Activist Groups – ZMAG
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As part of the S+T+ARTS 4 Water II residency, Matko Šišak and ZMAG are coming back to ISSA to build a “convivial tool” based on their permaculture landscape design and water management expertise, showcasing years of experience blending infrastructure and art.
workshop

Radio Frida
ISSA
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In a world ravaged by endless war, climate collapse and the rise of fascism, what if the radio is not a relic but a tool of revolution for the future? At the site of the former ‘Reichssender Wien’, a workshop with ISSA (the Island School of Social Autonomy) creates Radio Frida – a name that recalls the German word for peace, ‘Frieden’, as well as the title of a famous post-Yugoslav pop song. ISSA is an international school on the Croatian island of Vis that tries out and cultivates forms of exchanging knowledge and autonomy as political strategy. This is its first guest visit to Vienna. The two-day workshop entails both practical and theoretical experiments with pirate radio technology. Setting out from previous emancipatory uses of radio, we revive the practices of urban pirate radio, rethink and implement them. It is time to use the radio waves for a global wave of resistance – for a world that rests on justice, equality and love.
With representatives of ISSA – Island School for Social Autonomy (Bitnik Media Group, Gordan Savičić, Selena Savić, Saša Savanović, Marko Pogačar, Srećko Horvat and others)
exhibition

Island School of Social Autonomy in Girona
ISSA library at exhibition
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workshop

Island School of Social Autonomy in Girona
!Mediengruppe Bitnik & Srećko Horvat
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The goal of the residency is to develop a convivial tool: a prototype for a small-scale water collection and distribution system that combines traditional cistern technology and modern innovations, alongside community engagement on the island of Vis. The project will take into account the local context, the Mediterranean climate affected both by climate crisis and overtourism, which strain the island’s natural water resources.
Anual Event
To live Together
Island School of Social Autonomy on Vis, Year Second
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The program includes lectures, performances, discussions and conversations, readings, dances, guided tours, cooking, work actions (physical labour), workshops, exhibitions, film projections, and lots of pomalo.
See the detailed program of ISSA 2024, image gallery, read about it.

Workshop

Acting and Film Workshop with Kids
Workshop with Goran Bogdan, Jovana Stojiljković and others
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The film and acting workshop reveals unknown stories about Komiža from the perspective of her children, while at the same time introducing them to the secrets of acting and film craft. The children had the opportunity to learn and fantasise with award-winning actors Goran Bogdan and Jovana Stojiljković, both of whom have extensive experience in film, theatre and working with children.
Workshop

Drystone walling
Workshop with Igor
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The film and acting workshop reveals unknown stories about Komiža from the perspective of her children, while at the same time introducing them to the secrets of acting and film craft. The children had the opportunity to learn and fantasise with award-winning actors Goran Bogdan and Jovana Stojiljković, both of whom have extensive experience in film, theatre and working with children.
Workshop

Mokrin Workshop
Workshop with Goran Bogdan, Jovana Stojiljković and others
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The film and acting workshop reveals unknown stories about Komiža from the perspective of her children, while at the same time introducing them to the secrets of acting and film craft. The children had the opportunity to learn and fantasise with award-winning actors Goran Bogdan and Jovana Stojiljković, both of whom have extensive experience in film, theatre and working with children.
Workshop

Laibach concert in Mokrin
Workshop with Goran Bogdan, Jovana Stojiljković and others
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The film and acting workshop reveals unknown stories about Komiža from the perspective of her children, while at the same time introducing them to the secrets of acting and film craft. The children had the opportunity to learn and fantasise with award-winning actors Goran Bogdan and Jovana Stojiljković, both of whom have extensive experience in film, theatre and working with children.
Anual Event
Inaugural Event
Workshop with Goran Bogdan, Jovana Stojiljković and others
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The film and acting workshop reveals unknown stories about Komiža from the perspective of her children, while at the same time introducing them to the secrets of acting and film craft. The children had the opportunity to learn and fantasise with award-winning actors Goran Bogdan and Jovana Stojiljković, both of whom have extensive experience in film, theatre and working with children.
