In This Issue Slovenian Museum and Archives in Cleveland Slovenian Museum The presence of the new SMA in the and Archives area is one step in the in Cleveland direction of revitalizing this Cleveland neighborhood. The evening’s program Ljubljana Named included the feature exhibit titled UNESCO World A River’s Gifts, by internationally Book Capital 2010 renowned Slovenian photographer, film-maker and caver, Arne Hodalič. In 2007, A River’s Gifts was published Slovenia to Become As reported in the previous in National Geographic Magazine Full Member of European Space issue of the Embassy’s Newsletter and, in 2008, the exhibit was Ag ency (July 31), the Slovenian community presented at the Embassy of Slovenia in Cleveland celebrated the grand in Washington, D.C. opening of the Slovenian Museum The private reception Ljubljana the Capital and Archives (SMA) on July 30 with a was attended by Cleveland City of Slovenia will Host private reception. Councilman Joe Cimperman, State The 28th Biennial of The SMA attractive new Representative Kenny Yuko, the Graphic gallery and offices are located Consul General of the Republic of in the St. Clair-Superior District, Slovenia, Dr. Zvone Žigon, as well as historically the hub of Slovenian SMA members. Finding Slovenia: culture in Cleveland. The Slovenian A highlight of the evening A Guide to Old Europe’s Geneaology Society International, was the naming of the SMA New Country Inc. has partnered with the SMA and welcome center in honour of the has opened its headquarters within Consul General of the Republic of Interview Series: new space. Slovenia, Žigon Welcome Center. Jacqueline Widmar Dr. Zvone Žigon, whose diplomatic Stewart, Author of term in Cleveland comes to an end Finding Slovenia later this month, was an inspirational contributor in establishing the SMA. Special thanks were also paid Sinfo, July - August 09 to the Republic of Slovenia, Raymond Issue Novak of the Richman Brothers Foundation, the City of Cleveland, and Robert and Geraldine Hopkins The Slovenian Museum and Archives in Cleveland, OH. for their generous donations to the SMA.

Embassy’s Newsletter Page 1 August 7, 2009 All photos courtesy of Phil Hrvatin.

Board of Directors, Slovenian Museum and Archives Consul General Dr. Zvone Žigon, Rose Marie Jisa, President SGSI, Robert Hopkins, President SMA

Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman Sign for SGSI office

Žigon Welcome Center sign Olga Merela, Co-Vice President of Programming, SMA, Johanna Bajc, Secretary, SMA, Linda Silakoski, Co-Vice President of Programming, SMA

Embassy’s Newsletter Page 2 August 7, 2009 Consul General Dr. Zvone Žigon, Mrs. Irena Žigon, Mary 104 year-old Martha Batich and daughter Carol Batich- Anne Hiti, Tony Hiti, Board member, SMA Yassine

For more information, contact the Slovenian Museum and Archives by phone at 216.361.5600, or by email [email protected]. Visit the SMA Web site: www.smacleveland.org.

Ljubljana Named UNESCO World Book Capital 2010 In 2010, the title of ‘World Book Capital’ is Dr. Grilc stressed that the “the programe to be carried by Ljubljana. The capital of Slovenia, with which Ljubljana made its bid is very diverse, which bid for the title for the first time, won the from the promotion of literature and authors, award against stiff competition from Vienna, books and reading, to promoting access to books, Lisbon, St. Petersburg, Riga, Guadalajara, and and addresses all sections of society. The basic Wellington. starting point was to include and connect all the Mayor Zoran Janković expressed his delight links in the book chain, which the committee also that Ljubljana had succeeded despite strong emphasized”. competition, and congratulated the head of the Ljubljana is the tenth city to be designated city’s Department of Culture, Dr. Uroš Grilc, for World Book Capital -- whereby UNESCO seeks a job well done, as well as all Ljubljana’s citizens. most of all to bring literature closer to a broader The commission selected the city of Ljubljana public and to stimulate reading -- after Madrid “for the quality of its application as well as for (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Delhi (2003), its diverse and complete programe, widely and Antwerp (2004), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), enthusiastically supported by all players involved Bogotá (2007), Amsterdam (2008) and Beirut in the book industry (publishers, bookstores and (2009). libraries)”. The designation of a city as World Book UNESCO Director-General, Capital remains in effect for the 12 months between Koichiro Matsuura, said in a statement that he was the two annual celebrations of World Book Day, delighted “to see this magnificent city acknowledged April 23. The prize brings no financial reward, but for its collective commitment to promote books is an honorific recognition for hard work in the and reading in a context of freedom of expression field of reading culture. and cultural openness”.

Embassy’s Newsletter Page 3 August 7, 2009 Slovenia to Become Full Member of European Space Agency Thursday, July 23 - Ljubljana - The slovenian government decided in its Thursday session that Slovenia will become an active partner of the European Space Agency (ESA). In this way, the country will be able to boost the development of its own R&D capacities for the participation in EU space projects. Slovenia gained observer status in the ESA in February, and on Thursday the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Gregor Golobič, signed a full cooperation agreement. To become full members of ESA, EU states must earmark every year at least EUR1m for a special programe. The Slovenian government believes that the country would receive in return some 90% of Source: www.esa.int the contribution in form of orders for high-tech companies, research institutions and cooperation for students. Ljubljana the Capital of Slovenia will Host The 28th Biennial of Graphic Ljubljana, Slovenia - The 28th Biennial of Grand Prize of the previous Biennial, and a number of Graphic Arts is a multifaceted event with a long tradi- accompanying exhibitions. tion; it consists of a number of exhibitions as well as Participating artists come from around the world: other events. Once again, the Biennial’s central exhibi- England, Armenia, Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Checz tion, The Matrix: An Unstable Reality, on view for two Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Croatia, Iran, Itay, months in Ljubljana galleries, will focus on contempo- Japan, South Korea, China, Columbia, Kosovo, Hunga- rary graphic art in the broadest sense of the term. At the ry, Macedonia, Mexico, Germany, Nicaraqua, Norway / invitation of the International Centre of Graphic Arts, Sweden, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia, Spain, which proposed the theme of the main show, this idea Turkey, and US. was further developed and shaped by Galerija Alkatraz, Galerija Ganes Pratt, Galerija Jakopič, Galerija Kapsula, and Galerija Škuc, which are also serving as venues for the Biennial. On view 4 September through 25 Octo- ber, 2009. Alongside the central exhibition, the 28th Bien- nial of Graphic Arts includes as well the Artist’s Book Salon, the traditional exhibition for the winner of the

Embassy’s Newsletter Page 4 August 7, 2009 Finding

SloveniaA Guide to Old Europe’s New Country

Finding Slovenia: A Guide to Old Europe’s New Country Stewart’s new book portrays the natural and cultural is an extremely interesting and detailed presentation of history of the green gem, long hidden away in Central Slovenia, with stunning photographs of major tourist Europe. With full-color photographs, maps, charts and destinations as well as of numerous hidden treasures, illustrations, the only known to locals or to one well acquainted with the 200-page country. hardbound book is This new book, which will be available in being published in Slovenia by September , tells the success story of a stunningly beautiful Mladinska knjiga New Jersey-sized land that rose from a feudalistic past to založba. lead the European Union as an independent nation in the span of two generations. The book presents an inside-outside view, exploring centuries-long favorite places like Ljubljana and Bled, but also less-known parks, trails and footpaths. The reader learns how to share Slovenia’s love of nature in hiking, skiing, swimming, fi shing, boating, climbing, The book can outdoor dining and wineing, as well as how to stay in be purchased tourist farms, hot spring spas or historic castles. online at Barnes Stanford-educated attorney Jacqueline Widmar & Noble.

Interview Series: Jacqueline Widmar Stewart, Author of Finding Slovenia Jacqueline Widmar Stewart is the author of the above to the thermal spas – one that would show biking areas, presented book, Finding Slovenia: A Guide to Old Europe’s restaurants and amenities in the area. New Country. What questions were you trying to answer in your In a word how would you describe Slovenia? research? “Stunning” - both in the beauty of the land and I asked myself “What makes this country so magnitude of its peoples’ accomplishments. My purpose extraordinary? in writing the book is to celebrate both. What does it have that other places don’t?” My answer What accomplishments? became “The Essence of Slovenia” section of the book. In 1991, for the fi rst time in its history, Slovenia Your undergraduate work was in French and became an independent nation. Just two generations German, you have a master’s in French and a law degree. ago, when my grandparents left around 1900, it was a How did your educational background play into your feudalistic society. research on Slovenia? What were your early ideas for the book – Where When I began studying French and German in did it begin? high school, I became intrigued by foreign studies. Once Our relatives have always taken us to the thermal I started college, I had the chance to study Classics in baths when we visit, and I really wanted to do a guide Greece and really thought I’d landed in paradise. I loved

Embassy’s Newsletter Page 5 August 7, 2009 marketplace – for food, commerce and ideas. My favorite law. In writing the book for the past few years, I have poem since that time has been Ithaka by Constantine been going back frequently. Hearing it more often really Cavafy that talks about the journey as being even more helps my speaking. important than the destination – how experiences along In your book you talk about how Slovenia felt like the way should be savored and treasured whether or not home the first time you visited. Has that changed? you reach your ultimate goal. Life in Slovenia has modernized greatly since The study of French literature further broadened the ‘60s, but I don’t think that’s changed the core of that view to societal dimensions – the journey of the whole Slovenian living. Cell phones and computers tend to be group - and how the well-being of the entirety depends universal – we get cell service even hiking in the Alps – on the fairness and contentment of the individual. From but mountain huts will still serve you whatever they can my first impressions onward, Slovenia has seemed to me when you appear at their door, and the outdoor cafés to excel in this regard. To my eye, its egalitarianism is won’t chase you away if you aren’t ordering food every apparent everywhere. Slovenians care about the well- second. being of others: they are not happy unless you are. It’s still wonderful to have a good laugh with my To better understand how this came to be so in cousins, and to enjoy just being together - which always Slovenia, I had to study the language. Language opens involves a table full of food and wine. a window into understanding culture. How ideas and Your resumé evidences a strong interest in concepts are expressed gives a sense of what people education. In California, you started and ran an feel is important and their approach to life. It’s a never- educational foundation for economically disadvantaged ending source of fascination for me. children. How important is education in Slovenia? The tie-in with law relates to fairness. Equal This country prizes its education. The literacy rate protection of the law carries special significance in is close to 100%. Traditionally, the elementary school year Slovenia, since for so many centuries it was unavailable. has included a week of swim lessons at the seacoast and How do you communicate in Slovenia? a week of skiing in the Alps. High school is so important Anyone who studies English wants to practice. that children leave their homes in the village to attend The further away from Ljubljana I go, the more high school in the cities. At the end of high school, main opportunity I have to speak Slovenian. streets all over Slovenia are closed to traffic and graduates literally dance in the streets. Higher education earns great respect both socially and professionally. What about environmentalism there, noting that you’ve worked for public land acquisition in California. My daughter says that Slovenia lives close to nature, and I think that’s a good description. The whole landscape is blanketed with woods. The farms look as though they “belong to the land,” in the words of Slovenian-American author Louis Adamic, especially the iconic kozolec - the roofed, wooden hay-drying rack. Some people supply all the timber they need for building and heating by cleaning and selectively cutting trees from their own nearby woods. Garden-fresh is not a phrase taken lightly because gardens are everywhere. When I studied in Ljubljana, the student dorm even had its own community garden. How good is your Slovenian? How did you choose the title Finding Slovenia? I can get around. In the late ‘60s, I studied it for Writing the book has been a journey with a wealth a year at the University of Ljubljana after I had finished of experiences and acquaintances I otherwise never my master’s degree in French and before I went back to would have known. The process of discovering Slovenia study is ongoing, and much too good to keep to myself. Embassy’s Newsletter Page 6 August 7, 2009 Sinfo, Official Publication of Government Communication Office. July/August 09 issue: INTERVIEW - Danilo T ürk; OUR EXCELLENCE - Beauty Created with Needle, Bobbin and Thread; ART and CULTURE - Trnfest - Traditional Summer Festival; SLOVENIAN DELIGHTS - Tradition With Protection; SPORTS - Will Slovenia Enjoy Basketball Fairy-Tale?

ISSN 1854-0805 (business culture environment politics sports) 07/08 July/August 09

SLOVENIA A LAND OF COUNTLESS ATTRACTIONS

Your online Network of Slovenes world- connection wide by connecting profes- to everything sionals, training entrepreneur- Slovenian ship and reanimating Slovene all around culture. the world. The weekly e-Newsletter is produced by the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington. The archive of the e-Newsletter is available online. To subscribe or unsubscribe to the e-Newsletter please send an e-mail to: [email protected]. Embassy’s Newsletter Page 7 August 7, 2009