50 Years of the International Painting Colony – Prilep (1957–2007)
A golden jubilee celebration of one of the oldest international art colonies in Southeast Europe. Fifty years of artistic legacy honored through exhibitions, international guests, and a reaffirmation of Prilep’s status as a city of culture.
In July 2007, the Center for Contemporary Art – Prilep proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the International Painting Colony, founded in 1957. This landmark event marked five decades of continuous artistic creation, community building, and global cultural exchange, establishing Prilep as a nucleus of visual art in the Balkans and beyond.
The anniversary was part of the national program "Prilep – City of Culture 2007" and honored the colony's profound impact on Macedonia’s cultural landscape. Over the decades, hundreds of artists from Macedonia and more than 30 countries worldwide contributed to this living art legacy. Their works now enrich Prilep’s public institutions, parks, galleries, and collections across North Macedonia—including the Government, Parliament, and major ministries.
The jubilee was more than a look back; it was a reaffirmation of the colony's relevance and a commitment to the future. Through exhibitions, discussions, and the publication of a commemorative catalog, the event celebrated the continuity of the colony and the vibrancy of the artists who shaped its story. Echoing the sentiment from international participants, the colony remains a “compact artistic manifestation” where tradition, experimentation, and creative freedom converge—earning Prilep the nickname “Little Venice” among artists across the globe.
Event Location: Prilep, North Macedonia
Date: July 2007
Organized by: Center for Contemporary Art – Prilep
Occasion: Golden Jubilee of the International Painting Colony
Support: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, Municipality of Prilep, National Institution – Center for Culture "Marko Cepenkov"