Scene
The Jelsa Art Biennial (JAB), which commenced on July 4, 2025, and lasts until September 15th, stands out as the only event to bring international contemporary art to the islands. This makes Jelsa a focal point for artists and curators from all over Europe. This year, through the opening of 8 exhibitions, 8 performances and happenings, 6 art installations, 4 concerts and accompanying programs such as expert lectures, workshops and debates, with artists from 16 countries, JAB’s programs take place both within institutional cultural spaces and in atypical spaces open to the public such as taverns, kala and the waterfront.
This year, the Jelsa Art Biennial highlights the importance of underwater protection through collaboration with scientists from the University of Zagreb. The occasion was the discovery of a unique global phenomenon – Island Trapped Waves. One of the few locations in the world where the phenomenon has been recorded is, along with Gotland, Hawaii, Bermuda, and the island of Lastovo.
At the exhibition Making the Invisible Visible, which will open today, July 23 at 9 p.m. in the Dobrović House (Jelsa Municipal Museum, HDD) and the Kravata Gallery, artists will use audiovisual means to present this phenomenon. During the exhibition, there will also be a series of expert scientific lectures on the three greatest threats to the coast: uncontrolled fishing, nautical tourism and maritime traffic that contribute to sea pollution, backfilling and destruction of the coast during coastal construction.
This contemporary art festival brings together established and emerging artists through diverse media and public-space installations. Aimed at broad audiences, it highlights socially responsible and sustainable art. JAB aspires to become a leading European event promoting environmental awareness through culture.
