Award Recognition & Humanitarian Art Auction – "DAMA-DA" Event
In 2017, Jana Janeska Risteski, Chairwoman of the Arts Council of CSLU-Prilep, was honored among the Top 10 Women Managers in North Macedonia in the field of culture by the renowned Marili Agency. This prestigious recognition was followed by a collaborative humanitarian art auction in 2018, where CSLU-Prilep raised significant funds for public health initiatives, reinforcing the unbreakable bond between art, leadership, and social responsibility.
In 2017, Jana Janeska Risteski, President of the Arts Council at the Center for Contemporary Art – Prilep (CSLU-Prilep), was named one of the Top 10 Women Managers in the Republic of North Macedonia by the distinguished Marili Agency under the national campaign “DAMA–DA.” This honor is both a personal and professional achievement in a time when cultural management faces significant challenges.
Reflecting on this recognition, Jana stated:
"Culture is difficult to manage today. This acknowledgment gives me the strength to keep going. I believe the warmth of art belongs even in the coldest corners of the business world."
In continuation of this partnership, on March 31, 2018, CSLU-Prilep, in cooperation with Marili Agency, organized a humanitarian auction of contemporary artworks as a key part of the "DAMA–DA" event. The auction raised 3,125 EUR, which was donated to the Public Health Institution in Prilep, under the guidance of Dr. Olivera Adzioska, to meet the most urgent medical needs.
The event was not only a celebration of art and woman-led leadership but also a call for deeper integration of art in everyday life and social care. Jana emphasized the importance of attracting younger audiences to art, advocating for respect and support for Macedonian artists:
“We must remind people of the beauty that art brings. If we neglect our artists today, we risk losing not only them but the very spirit of our cultural identity tomorrow.”
The evening was marked by a high level of interest, generous donors, and a warm, vibrant atmosphere that extended beyond expectations. The collaboration between Marili Agency and CSLU-Prilep is a shining example of how cultural institutions can effectively engage in social impact while promoting artistic values and female leadership.
