A selection of texts from Serbian newspapers that shed light on key events in the history of Spain and Latin America is the subject of a newly opened exhibition at the Historical Archives of Šumadija in Kragujevac. Titled “Spain and Hispanic America in Serbian Historical Press in the 19th and 20th Centuries,” the exhibition was created in cooperation with the Association for Culture, Art and International Cooperation “Adligat,” the University Library “Svetozar Marković” in Belgrade, and the Historical Archives of Vojvodina. The exhibition was opened by the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Dario Otero, and representing the City of Kragujevac, Ms. Ana Petrović Jelić, Member of the City Council for Culture.

It is of great importance to our City to have a cultural institution that, within its area of activity, has recently been organizing highly engaging thematic events and exhibitions. In doing so, it provides all interested citizens the opportunity to become acquainted with the diverse archival materials it holds, said Ms. Petrović Jelić. This time, the topic is Spain, and the exhibition presents important stories that reflect how the Serbian public has responded to global changes throughout history. She described the exhibition as an excellent combination of the Archive’s core work and everything connected to a country like Spain - rich in history, and with an energy that suits us temperamentally.

The value of this exhibition lies in the way it brings various periods of Spanish history closer to the Serbian public through press clippings, allowing them to learn more about it, emphasized Deputy Ambassador Mr. Dario Otero. He noted that the project began a few months ago and was first presented in Novi Sad, with the intention from the start to bring it to other, smaller cities to reach a wider audience. Mr. Otero added that the Embassy supports the idea of promoting cultural and historical ties between Serbia, Spain, and the Hispanic countries of the Americas in as many cities as possible.

Archives should demonstrate that they are not merely places with shelves full of dust and old documents, but living testimonies of the past, said Ms. Sanja Živković, Director of the Historical Archives of Šumadija in Kragujevac. She stressed the importance of cooperation both within the country and with neighboring nations. It is thanks to our partners that we were able to establish cooperation with the Embassy of Spain and organize this exhibition, which aims to highlight the relations between Serbia and Spain in the 19th and 20th centuries, she said. A distinctive feature of this exhibition is that it is primarily based on historical press sources. It also allows us to reflect on the role of the press over time  - and, judging by the influence it has had, it is important to consider bilateral relations from that angle as well, concluded Ms. Živković.