Djuric: We are building bridges of understanding and cooperation with the US

An exhibition of photographs showcasing Serbian folk costumes, rugs, and handicrafts from Biljana Regan's private collection has been set up in the residence of the Serbian ambassador in Washington.

The exhibition titled "Ethno Journey Through the Photographic Lens" was opened by the Serbian Ambassador to the United States, Marko Djuric, with a message that the soft power of Serbian culture and tradition speaks for itself. Cultural and public diplomacy, he added, help navigate a path to the hearts of the American people not only through politics and challenging topics but also through various means.

"The exhibited collection by Biljana Regan, a collector and guardian of our folklore, traditional costumes, handicrafts, and antiques from all parts of Serbia, is a kind of 'Noah's Ark' of Serbian tradition, culture, and art. We presented it to the American public, diplomatic community, and cultural circles, using this opportunity as another way to build bridges of understanding and cooperation and to connect people on the most basic level, through emotions. Let the power of Serbian culture speak for itself," Djuric said.

He reminded that this is the 10th cultural event in a month and a half organized by the Embassy of Serbia in the United States.

"The charm offensive of Serbian culture, tradition, and history in Washington is in full swing. Not only politics and challenging topics. We are seeking a path to the hearts of the American people in various ways," Djuric emphasized.

Originally from Sabac, Biljana Regan now lives and works in Maryland. For more than a decade, she has been dedicatedly collecting, preserving, and conserving Serbian cultural and artistic heritage, folk costumes, antiques, and homemade items from the entire region, uniting them in a collection unique on American soil, currently numbering more than 1,000 exhibits.

She has also established the International Association for the Preservation of Balkan Culture and Tradition in the US, organizing numerous exhibitions, fashion shows, and events throughout the United States with members from Serbia and other countries. Through these events, she regularly presents and promotes Serbian and Balkan folklore.

In addition to photographs, costumes, rugs, and artistic objects from Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula, exhibition visitors had the opportunity to hear traditional Serbian songs performed by former opera champion of the National Theater in Belgrade, Biljana Soldo, who is now residing in Virginia.