This year's edition of the R.o.R Festival rounds off a carefully conceived trilogy of planets and celestial bodies. These exceptional original projects have enabled us to take a deep look into humanity's relationship with the vastness of the universe, as well as the visionary ideas and amazing feats of science that have shaped our civilization’s development through history. Through an artistic experience, we embarked on a unique adventure: first we journeyed to the Moon – the eternal muse and source of artists’ inspiration, then to Mars - Earth's alter ego, a symbol of technological challenges, bold explorations and untamed passions. With its mythological and military symbolism, the latter is particularly resonant at a time when our planet is also wracked by conflict and uncertainty.
The final part of the trilogy brings us back home to Earth. This year, the festival will once again take place in the center of Nova Gorica, which will be bathed in light for a few days as a celebration of our planet. This time, the fundamental elements – Earth, Air, Water and Fire – do not merely mark the starting point of the creative process, but also carry deeper narratives about the natural equilibrium put at risk by the carelessness of humankind. Through a variety of expressive means and approaches, contemporary art helps us see our planet from a new perspective – as a precious, fragile world for which all of us are responsible. The festival thus addresses us not only as spectators, but as inhabitants of a world that deserves more than mere admiration – it deserves care, awareness and respect. The artworks exhibited by this year's artists are a constant reminder that the Earth is more than just a backdrop to our existence – it is a living, dynamic organism whose future we are building collectively. In moments of silence, light, sound or movement, a space for reflection, wonder and – perhaps most importantly – action is born! This year, the creators of the festival invite us not only to observe, but to participate. To help create the delicate balance between humankind and this world we call HOME.
BridA
19:00 Opening of the R.o.R Festival and the Light Path exhibition
Light Path, exhibition
Matej Bizovičar, Antonin Fourneau, Radu Ignat, Luke Jerram, Daniel Kurniczak, Hermes H:E:M Mangialardo, Lado Rot, Nano VJs, Simon Šerc, Martina Testen
Project locations: Xcenter, Xcenter plaza, Bevkov trg Square, Nova Gorica Town Hall atrium, lawn in front of the Nova Gorica Town Hall, TIC Nova Gorica
19.30 Nova Gorica Music School Wind Orchestra conducted by Armando Mariutti and choir of selected soloists from the school, concert
Visitors will be greeted by the Mayor of Nova Gorica Samo Turel and the director of the public institution GO! 2025, mag. Mija Lorbek.
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
*In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Green Chamber of the Nova Gorica Town Hall.
17:00 Zdenko Bašić: Magical Istria - Hidden Secrets of Istrian Hill-Forts, book presentation
Magical Istria hopes to bring this authentic, living Istria closer to audiences both young and old, as a rich, opulent, unusual and utterly unique, nonesuch world.
#stanzaqudu, Piazza Vittoria 7, Gorizia
19:00-22:00 Light Path, exhibition
19:30 Sabina Vostner: The Dream of the Earth, musical-poetic performance
The singer-songwriter will perform her original songs.
Xcenter Plaza, Delpinova ulica 20, Nova Gorica
*In case of rain, the event will be moved to Xcenter.
21:00 Samožder: Composing Kinetic Worlds, audio-visual performance
Samožder is an audio-visual experimental project that explores sound art of concrete, experimental and improvisational music that creates kinetic worlds and stories.
Xcenter Plaza, Delpinova ulica 20, Nova Gorica
*In case of rain, the event will be moved to Xcenter.
19:00-22:00 Light Path, exhibition
19.00-23.00 GLOBE Italia Association: The torments of Poseidon, a scientific workshop experience
In this mobile pop-up lab workshop experience it is possible to try the microplastics monitoring protocol and discover some scientific research findings.
The occasion marks a strengthening of a partnership between the R.o.R festival and the GLOBE Italia Association and an announcement of a wider collaboration in the near future.
Xcenter Plaza, Delpinova ulica 20, Nova Gorica
*In case of rain, the event will be moved to Xcenter.
20:00 Dragana Sapanjoš: You can (not) redo, performance
11 women on roller skates, golden dresses, black helmets with double visors, 11 black pedestals, 11 sculptures, a 27-member mixed choir, a choirmaster and a unique spectacle of art fusing with life and vice-versa.
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
* In case of rain, the event will be canceled
Istrian Sunday in collaboration with and supported by IKA – Istrian Cultural Agency and in partnership with HUiU.
Fabrika will take care of the food and wine offering of Istrian delicacies, while Reservoir Dogs will be serving top-quality beer!
19:00-23:00 Light Path, exhibition
19:00-23:00 Vjeran & Vibor Juhas (HUiU): Vodnjan Tales & Mr Joe
Comic presentation and live comic drawing. Visitors can try their hand at drawing comic book characters under the authors’ guidance.
HUiU has prepared a heartwarming surprise for visitors of the live workshop.
Xcenter Plaza, Delpinova ulica 20, Nova Gorica
*In case of rain, the event will be moved to Xcenter.
20:00 Veja, ethno music concert
Over the course of their 15-year journey, Veja has become one of the foremost acts in Croatia’s ethno/world music scene. They draw inspiration from the traditional music of Istria, which they decided to perform in a modern way. Due to Istria’s geographic location, this region brings together different influences, which can be felt in its music, where you elements of Dinaric and Italian culture can be felt. All this resulted in a unique style of singing and playing music.
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
Free entry. Welcome!
The festival organizer reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary. Any changes will be published at www.ror-art.com.
The project is co-financed by the public institute GO! 2025 – European Capital of Culture, Nova Gorica.