RIT Croatia Hosts Opening of Exhibition and Book Presentation: "Croats United by the Tie"

RIT Croatia prowdly hosted a momentous event on June 8, 2023 at its Dubrovnik campus —the opening of an exhibition and book presentation titled "Croats United by the Tie", written by acclaimed author Branka Bezić Filipović. Organized by the Croatian World Congress USA, Cro Diaspora, Hrvatska matica iseljenika- Dubrovnik chapter in cooperation with City of Dubrovnik, the event brought together a diverse audience to celebrate the cultural heritage and contributions of the Croatian Diaspora.

The event began with a warm welcome from Ms. Nada Pritisanac Matulich, the President of the Croatian World Congress USA. Ms. Pritisanac Matulich expressed her gratitude to RIT Croatia for graciously hosting the event and emphasized the significance of preserving and promoting Croatian identity around the world.

The gathering was further dignified by the presence of Mr. Zvonko Milas, State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia. Mr. Milas delivered a heartfelt speech, highlighting the profound importance of the Croatian Diaspora and its past, present and ongoing connections to Croatia throughout history.

The highlight of the evening was the official opening of the exhibition by Mr. Mato Franković, the Mayor of Dubrovnik. Mr. Franković emphasized the city's rich heritage and its role as a symbol of Croatian culture. He praised the efforts of the Croatian World Congress USA for organizing such an impactful event, recognizing the importance of nurturing ties with the Diaspora community.

In addition to the exhibition and book presentation, the audience had the privilege of viewing the trailer for an upcoming film showcasing the life and work of the renowned Croatian-Australian painter, Mr. Charles Bilic. Directed by Mr. Steve Ravic, the movie promises to shed light on Bilic's artistic journey and the cultural bridge he has built between Croatia and Australia. Ravic himself was present at the event, adding an air of excitement to the occasion.

As a token of appreciation, certificates were presented to RIT Croatia and various other individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the "Croats United by the Tie" project.

The opening of the exhibition and book presentation "Croats United by the Tie" at RIT Croatia was a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the Croatian Diaspora's rich cultural heritage. The event brought together individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the global Croatian community. With over 100 graduates and students originating from Croatian Diaspora who have attended RIT Croatia in the past 26 years, we are proud to be a part of that building block for generations to come.