Interview with Danijela Matovic

“Living History Project” interview with Danijela Matovic, organizer of museum activities at the Center for Culture, Education and Information Gradac - CKOI Gradac

 

We would like to thank You for Your time and for agreeing to do this interview for the ninth edition of Adriatic Metals Serbia Newsletter as a part of our "Living History Project". Can you tell us something about yourself?

I was born in Novi Pazar because there was no maternity hospital in Raska at that time, but I have lived in Raska ever since. I left it only for a short time during my studies, but I completed my primary and secondary education in my hometown.

What was your first job?

I was a survey researcher at the National Institute of Statistics.

You are the organizer of museum activities at the Center for Culture, Education and Information Gradac - CKOI Gradac. Where do you get ideas for the content you present to visitors and audiences?

I live in a very inspiring place with a rich cultural and historical heritage and important individuals that provide me with unlimited opportunities when it comes presenting them in my work. As organizer of museum activities, I primarily get my ideas from the local community and its environment.

What do you like the most about your job?

The best part about my job is the creative part and freedom. A wide range of possibilities for my work gives me the freedom to choose a topic that I will process and present to the audience in the most creative way. In addition to this, I also really like working with audience in the Memorial Room "Raska, the war capital of the Kingdom of Serbia in 1915", and the Memorial Room and the House of Birth of Milunka Savic.

How would you describe Raska from the cultural aspect?

Raska is a place where traces of both Serbian and world culture, cultural heritage and tradition are intertwined. A large number of archaeological localities and sites, as well as numerous monasteries and churches make it culturally very rich. When we add numerous cultural events and manifestations organized throughout the year to the equation, we can safely say that Raska is one of the places that, from a cultural point of view, is very lively.

Among your many activities we should also mention that you are the author of the "Ore Smelted into Heritage" exhibition, which was officially opened in July of this year as a part of the XII International Comic Colony Raska 2024 in your hometown, on Lake Semetes. Where did you get the idea for this exhibition and can you tell us more about it?

I got the idea for this exhibition during my research of the mining heritage of Raska. This research led me to try to capture and present it through an exhibition, considering that Raska does not have a mining museum or any other way to present this rich heritage to the public. Thanks to Adriatic Metals this idea materialized.

Is Raska a mining town in your opinion?

Taking the lively mining activity in this area that dates back to prehistoric times into consideration, we can safely say that Raska is a mining town.

Did anyone from your family or acquaintances work in a mine?

Yes, members of my family and my acquaintances used work in a mine, and some still do.

When you look at life in Raska then and now, can you make a comparison?

Raska used to be a "younger" city, in terms of population. Many of those youngsters were educated in their hometown and those who went to study somewhere else used to return more often. Over time,  I guess that the living conditions in bigger cities have drawn them in and there are fewer young people in Raska now. As for life in Raska, a lot has changed for the better.

Are you familiar with the work of Adriatic Metals Serbia?

I am familiar with the work of the company Adriatic Metals Serbia mainly thanks to its activities in the local community.

Do you think that Raska would flourish again if a mine is opened in the future?

Development of any activity, industry, as well as the opening of a mine would contribute to the development and prosperity of Raska.

How do you see Raska in the future?

My wish, rather than my vision, is for Raška to be a more modern, even more beautiful and lively city, with an increased number of inhabitants.

Do you have a message for young people who are just starting to build their careers?

My message to young people is to persevere on their path, not to give up on their dreams and be hardworking, because that’s how they will succeed in bringing their career to the desired level.

Thank you for the time you dedicated to do this interview. We hope that our cooperation will continue and improve further!