Urban Marko: “With Marko on the Street” Festival (2018)
A street art festival inspired by cultural legacy
In October 2018, CSLU-Prilep launched the first edition of the festival “With Marko on the Street”, dedicated to reviving cultural memory through urban art and modern technology. The festival offered street installations, concerts, workshops, performances, and a multimedia program inspired by the legendary folklorist Marko Cepenkov and his impact on regional identity.
Project manager Zvonko Dimoski
In October 2018, the Center for Contemporary Art – Prilep (CSLU-Prilep) organized the first edition of the urban art festival “With Marko on the Street”. This ambitious event was designed as a multidisciplinary celebration of culture, memory, and modern expression. Drawing inspiration from one of the region’s most iconic cultural figures – Marko Cepenkov, the festival sought to reactivate collective memory by presenting heritage in a way that is engaging, relevant, and understandable for younger generations.
Through a three-day program rich with urban murals, contemporary dance, concerts, children’s workshops, and literary and multimedia segments, the festival presented the urban Marko as a symbol of timeless relevance. From street art to live performance, every segment bridged the gap between traditional values and current cultural discourse.
Highlights included:
• “Street Art in Prilep”: creation of murals on CSLU’s facade by local artists
• Children's kinetic and textile workshops
• Body painting studio sessions and installations
• Live concerts by CHROMATIC POINT, KAIN, and DJ performances
• Slam poetry battles inspired by Marko Cepenkov
• Short film screenings and public panel talks
A central part of the festival was the visual reinterpretation of Marko Cepenkov, including animated projections, performance narratives, and reinterpretations of his iconic work Siljan the Stork.
The event, supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia and the Municipality of Prilep, brought together artists, performers, and audiences in an open dialogue on cultural identity, memory, and the need for public creativity.
The festival actualized cultural heritage using contemporary tools, affirming that urban art is not just a trend, but a platform for living memory and public engagement.
