Bogdan Rata, DIPLOMA: “It’s interesting to see how different art academies bring in innovative concepts, especially in the creative field.””

One of the creative board members of DIPLOMA FESTIVAL is Bogdan Rața, born in 1984, who stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. As a sculptor and a Lecturer at the Faculty of Arts and Design in Timișoara, he bridges the worlds of creation and education. Moreover, his co-founding role at Kunsthalle Bega and initiation of the Biblioteca Pavilion reflect his visionary approach to art.

The festival celebrating the new generation of Romanian artists, architects, and designers, known as DIPLOMA Show, is back for its 10th edition. This event, organized by The Institute and presented by UniCredit Bank, offers a diverse cultural and urban experience, featuring exhibitions, social gatherings, masterclasses, a design fair, and a pop-up cinema.

As a creative board member for DIPLOMA Show, can you describe your role in the selection process for the works featured in the festival? What criteria did you use to evaluate the submissions?

My role in the DIPLOMA Show jury is to find new perspectives in the way young artists approach contemporary sculpture. It’s interesting to see how different art academies bring in innovative concepts, especially in the creative field.

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What excites you the most about the DIPLOMA Show and its role in promoting emerging talent in Romania’s creative industries?

DIPLOMA Show represents an X-ray of the young generation of artists that are transitioning from the academia to the direct involvement in the current artistic phenomenon. I think it is an important launching platform for emerging artists.

From your perspective, how does the festival contribute to showcasing the diversity and innovation within the Romanian creative scene?

Contemporary art in Romania is at its best, new institutions appear every year, along with opportunities for young artists. There are four big nodes, Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj and Iasi, from which I consider Timisoara to be the most cosmopolitan. In Timisoara private initiatives make a difference. I would like to mention Kunsthalle Bega, Art Encounters and Triade Foundation. My advice for young creators is to follow the programs of these institutions.

As a creative expert, what advice would you give to aspiring artists and designers looking to make their mark in the creative industry, both within Romania and globally?

 From the position of a sculptor and co-founder of Kunsthalle Bega, I recommend them to follow their instinct and passion, to persevere in their ideas and to be cautious in what context they present their work, to be extremely demanding in this sense, both nationally and globally.

Looking ahead, how do you see the festival evolving in the future, and what aspirations do you have for its continued impact on Romanian creativity?

7/8/9 Each edition of the DIPLOMA Show brings under the spotlight the freshest concepts in the field of design, architecture, art, and especially for me, it is an opportunity to discover new ways of thinking. The portfolios of the juried artists are always surprising and offer new perspectives. This diversity and the uniqueness presented every year make this festival so special.

Taking place from October 7 to 15 at the Combinatul Fondului Plastic in Bucharest, the festival showcases 130 works across 16 creative categories, from fashion to architecture. It’s a unique opportunity for the public to explore the talents of 131 Romanian artists and designers. Admission is free with pre-registration, and the festival’s central exhibition is open on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.