A fashion stylist and the creator of RÉCUPÉRER, a brand crafting exquisite clothing from upcycled vintage pieces and unused fabrics. With over ten years' experience in fashion styling, Silvia recreates chic and modern outfits inspired by acclaimed fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Prada on Instagram. She shares high-fashion and contemporary outfit ideas on TikTok, featuring versatile pieces that can be seamlessly incorporated into multiple looks.

Performer, choreographer, and project manager based in Bucharest. With a background in choreography from the National University of Film and Theater, she coordinates Indie Box, an independent platform for contemporary dance and music. Her work focuses on the relationship between artistic process, product, and environment, promoting greater artistic freedom, conscious interactions, and inclusive social spaces. Alexandra's artistic projects often address mental health, including performances, dance films, and interventions in psychiatric hospitals. She has also contributed to productions at the Metropolitan Circus of Bucharest and initiated a series of residencies for supporting mother artists. A founding member of AREAL – Space for Choreographic Development, she was recognized by the National Dance Center of Bucharest in 2020 for her contributions to Romanian contemporary dance.

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A project of the Forum Apulum association, created in 2020 as a means to listen to and support the new generations in telling their own stories. At the beginning, the project involved guiding young individuals who wanted to express themselves through writing, illustration, or photography. Over the course of the project, more than 20 mentors and over 100 selected young individuals have been involved in the team. Currently, the magazine shares stories, reviews, and opinions of young people on the website and social media channels, reaching an increasing number of people alongside its fellow project, "Gen, știri".

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The first online platform in Romania founded and led by women, dedicated to fostering a future for physically and mentally healthy children and youth. With a decade of expertise in sexual education, gender equality, and reproductive health, their efforts extend from supporting teenagers facing difficult situations to empowering teachers in their advocacy for sexual education in schools. The platform addresses the consequences of misinformation by offering online psychological counseling to youth in need. It actively works towards a better future, monitoring and advocating for legislative initiatives and reforms that will shape a society free from discrimination, sexual abuse, and inequality.

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A Bucharest-based floral atelier that delves into the art of ikebana and beyond, crafting unique arrangements that embody the rituals of creation and gifting. Through their innovative designs, they explore new avenues of expression, seamlessly blending nature's elements to evoke profound emotions. Each piece is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the beauty and impermanence of life, offering a fresh perspective on floral artistry.

Online music magazine, broadcasting also compelling cultural stories around the world. The Attic is a listening experience that maps artistic reports, music reviews and hand picked trending tracks.

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The first record store in Romania dedicated to electronic music. The place functions not just as a store, but also as a boiling pot for the electronic music scene, a hub for vinyl lovers and professionals. Ioana Pârlog, the creative force behind this space, has been a DJ for approximately seven years. She conceived this concept as a way to recreate a personal space for her friends, fostering a genuine connection through music within the electronic music community.

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Corp. is a Bucharest-based project and platform dedicated to representing and showcasing female-identified, non-binary, and trans musicians and DJs in electronic music. In early July 2019, Corp. X opened as a space for hosting music events rooted in the principles of inclusivity, warmth, and openness for all: trans and intersex people, sex workers, people of colour, those in financially precarious situations, non-binary individuals, and marginalized communities. It serves as both a focal point and a friendly meeting place for and by Corp.'s community.

Through Corp. X, they aim to recontextualize the concept of a party while facilitating access to knowledge about the history and roots of electronic music. In doing so, they seek to create a self-representation of queer culture that reflects its diverse needs and questions.

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Sasha is a visual artist based in Glasgow, born in Moscow and raised in Bucharest. Soon to graduate from the prestigious Glasgow School of Art, her work reflects the multicultural milieu she comes from. She uses both analogue and digital techniques such as collography, letterpress, screen print and Adobe Suite. Sasha is passionate about comics, Eastern European and Soviet aesthetics and the exploration of feminist and queer ideas through illustrations. She collaborated and created artwork for various publications and initiatives such as Frowning Mag, Plic, o revista, Seneca Publishing, DOR, Dilema Veche, Ideo Ideis and SUB25.

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Călin Boto is a film critic and curator based in Bucharest. He contributes to various publications, including Filmexplorer (Switzerland), FILM, and Films in Frame (Romania), and serves as an associate curator for BIEFF. He is a member of FIPRESCI and an alumnus of several writing and history workshops organized by film festivals, including those in Sarajevo, Warsaw, Locarno, Trieste, and Pordenone. He has curated screening series at the Romanian Cinematheque and organized retrospectives on diverse themes such as experimental cinema, queer cinema, and silent cinema. In 2024, he curated the first Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in Bucharest. Holding an MA in film piracy from UNATC, Călin has been working at the Romanian Filmmakers’ Union since 2020.

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Music artist, based in Bucharest. Their intimate sound mixes elements of bedroom pop with spoken word. Sofia’s music lyrics evoke themes such as: queer theory, ecofeminism and anticapitalism. They use music as a platform for critical conversations about social issues. They draw inspiration from trailblazing pioneers such as: Anohni, Laurie Anderson, Crass, Nina Simone, and Patti Smith.

Claudia Moraru is a photographer exploring the feminine identity and the intersection point of the emotional and surrounding world. She combines staged photography with mundane observation, helping her create an alternative reality. The subjects depicted are most of the time anonymous, emphasizing a few details such as marks, clothes, and body language.

Her thematic and stylistic approach is playful, but also nostalgic, and opens the conversation for topics such as: loss, grief, or sexuality.

In 2023 she will graduate from The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, in photography. Her latest exhibition took place at the Institute Space, in Bucharest.

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The initiative was created by Nicoleta to share herknowledge of Hellenistic astrology, which she has studied for nearly nine years. Influenced by her Romanian-Mexican heritage, she discovered her passion for astrology in childhood with the guidance of her abuelita (grandmother) and her father, who nurtured her interest in both astrology and astronomy. Over the years, her view of astrology evolved through research, transforming her approach into a deeply intimate and participatory experience. She focuses on chart readings that explore the ascendant, nodes, and life’s core areas - self, relationships, and purpose - offering clients insights that help shape their understanding of their lives and reactions. For her, astrology is a living language, adaptable to modern times, revealing both personal and ancestral codes that guide self-discovery and transformation.

Vitrina Gallery is an online shop specializing in vintage and contemporary home design. Sourcing unique pieces from across Europe, the gallery breathes new life into each item through careful cleaning and restoration. Their philosophy is simple: great design stands the test of time. Each curated piece, from furniture to décor, reflects this commitment to timeless beauty, offering a blend of history and modern living.

Alexandru is an illustrator and designer with experience in art direction and advertising.

His style is highly influenced by mythology, classical art, and is mixed with elements coming from minimalism and contemporary art. His projects are inspired by nature, relationships, and emotions which he loves to translate in a dynamic and vibrant visual language.

He has worked with and for clients like Adobe, PlayStation, Wacom, HBO, music festivals and others, and he has been showcasing his work in Bucharest, London, Antwerp, Frankfurt and Geneva.

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Identity.Education is the first non-governmental organization in Timisoara to promote the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community through education. Their vision is based on the inclusion and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community as an integral and active part of a healthy and diverse city community. Their mission is to represent, promote and support the LGBTQIA+ community from western Romania through art, culture, education and community work. They want to become a formal representation of the community and keep organizing cultural events and artistic activities that bring the LGBTQIA+ community closer to Timisoara’s citizens.

Bogdan Balla is a film director and editor based in Bucharest, Romania. He studied Film Directing at National University of Theatre and Film Bucharest and graduated in 2020. In 2022 he completed his Master’s in Directing at the same university. His school films, Notes on Hiding, Bounds, I Had Been Sleepwalking When I Saw All Those Colors, Empire State Streaming (for which he signs the editing) have been screened at festivals like Moldova Film Festival, Alternative Film / Video, ART200, BIEFF, Les Films des Cannes à Bucarest. He directed the performance With Every Touch We Will Be Reborn after a text by Mihaela Michailov. He was part of many workshops and cinema trainings, like fARAD Documentary Development Lab, One World Romania – UNHCR Doc Lab and the 2021-2022 Political Theater Season as an assistant director. His hybrid experimental short film I Had Been Sleepwalking When I Saw All Those Colors won Best Romanian Film at the 2021 edition of Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival and Special Jury Mention at the 2022 edition of Bucharest International Dance Film Festival.

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CUTRA is a queer feminist magazine. It is both a printed magazineand a permanent online platform: www.cutra.ro. The first printed issue was released inDecember 2018, and there are currently four issues available.

This project is the result of collective care and effort. It is aplatform where intersectional feminist voices find space for self-expression,where yet unwritten thoughts, expectations and new perspectives are brought tolight.

The Bucharest-based editorial team upholds antifascist,anticapitalist, and antiracist values, advocating for the empowerment of thosemost negatively impacted by the current socio-political climate. Through theirwork, the magazine aims to promote sensitivity, intimacy, solidarity, andsexual liberation as radical political acts in a world that often seeks todismiss or undermine them as weaknesses.

A fashion designer and multidisciplinary artist based in Bucharest who graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2020. She stands out through her style inspired by her post-communist youth and Romanian kitsch, resulting in elaborate avant-garde designs infused with fantastical elements. Her graduation collection, 'Romanian Camouflage', was renowned for her innovative lace-making technique crafted from discarded electrical wires, repurposed charity shop beach towels and surplus fabrics from Romanian factories.

Through her work, she aims to raise awareness about electronic waste and sustainability.

A contemporary jewelry designer based in Bucharest. Eric’s fascination with jewelry sparked at the age of 14, inspired by the women in his family. He began crafting copper bracelets during the summer of 2021, learning techniques through online tutorials. His uniqueness lies in his captivating personal journey, crafting gold and silver pieces that silently express identity and simplicity. Each creation reflects life's fluidity while aiming to anchor familiarity in a changing world.

Self-described as a genderfluid drag queen whose name is inspired by Frida Kahlo. Vergine has an extensive background in arts. Currently contributing to magazines such as ELLE and KALTBULT. Origin story: after middle-school Vergine discovered the magic of garment making, makeup and ultimately the art of drag via RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her drag persona is flamboyant and camp but most of all, Vergine is the epitome ofhigh fashion – with outfits and shows inspired by a range of designers and cultural icons such as Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, Sasha Velour, ClubKids and Dita Von Teese to name a few.

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Andra Mureșan is a young journalist from Romania, currently working at Scena9. She focuses on issues related to women’s rights and gender-based violence. In 2024, Andra won first prize in the Debut Category at Superscrieri for Women Who Kill for Their Lives, an investigative piece about how Romania’s judicial system treats women who kill their abusive partners after years of domestic violence. Through her work, she seeks to shed light on overlooked stories and explore the social impact of systemic injustices.

Veronica Nojac is a stylist and creative director based in Bucharest since 2017. She is an honours alumni of Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Veronica is a former fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar edition, and currently a freelance stylist for local and international fashion publications, such as Glamour or Elle. Her costume design work spans from theatre to commercial work. Among some of her commercial clients are L'Occitane, Guerlain, Samsung, Zalando, Mercedes Benz. Her experience in the fashion industry cultivated a unique and up to date style. Her passions are storytelling and the liminal space between classy and the uncanny.

After x image is the first visual culturefestival in Romania, exploring how we produce, consume, and distribute images. The festival takes a360-degree approach, bringing together a wide spectrum of professionals—fromartists, designers, and journalists to film critics, philosophers, andtheorists. Their collective focus on 'The Real' explores the construction ofour realities amidst a world saturated with images. This innovative culturalventure, designed by the Room 2046 Association and supported by Bucharest CityHall through ARCUB, creates a dynamic platform for insightful discussions andexploration at the intersection of visual culture and contemporary society.

Bianca is based in Cluj-Napoca where she explores visual art and rap music. She graduated the University of Art and Design, in graphic design. She is into the applicability of art in different creative contexts such as graphics, typography and photography.

Bianca is also a member of Ouch Collective, an all-girl group based in Romania, but extending globaly, playing from rap to UK bass, breakbeat and whatever she finds special or sensitive.Bianca is passionate about highlighting emerging artists from minority groups and pushing boundaries in the industry, showing that there is room for more than a handful of artists on the scene.

She is also part of Club Control’s creative team, designing posters and artworks for their events and music gigs, and in the meantime trying to find her way as a freelance graphic designer.

Her inspiration comes from the culture of her generation and the irony of the society where she belongs to, always infused with a touch of sensitivity.

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Founded by Suzana Vasilescu in September 2015 and co-directed by Cristina Vasilescu, the Artistic Director, the gallery focuses on conceptual art practices. SUPRAINFINIT showcases the work of emerging and mid-career artists, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe, while also supporting newly commissioned pieces and large-scale installations. Through carefully curated exhibitions and a multilayered approach to artistic contexts and content, the gallery has played a pivotal role in shaping Bucharest’s contemporary art scene, becoming a key pillar in the city's cultural ecosystem.

Is the cultural remixer alias of Iulian Fecioru, copywriter extraordinaire. Britnic plays with everything around, but in an anthropological manner. He mix & matches pop images and ideas, traditional motives and literature in a manner that becomes relevant for the present society. He has several personal projects and often collaborates with young designer LANA.

Luca Florian is a visual artist born in Bucharest. In 2022 he graduated at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf with the honorary title of Meisterschüler. He has participated in group exhibitions in Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Düsseldorf. Some of his works are part of the ING Global Collection.

Luca Florian's new works rely on the strange juxtaposition of subjects, extracted from a vibrant stock of images from contemporary visual culture, from everyday reality, and one's dreams, proposing a confusing game of perception in which the unfamiliar becomes familiar and vice versa. He had solo shows exhibited at CAV Gallery, Atelier 35 and Invitro Gallery.

Loot is graphic designer duo: Ana-Maria Grigoriu and Stelian Dobrescu. Their imagery is minimalist, almost clinical, yet warm and inviting. Their creative endeavors also include an independent magazine, Jug, developed together with editor Vlad Tăușance. The paper (available also in a limited print run) features texts signed by ten authors and artworks from ten local artists.

One of the most appreciated directors of his generation. Constantly nominated for The Europe Prize for New Theatrical Realities and also for the Uniter Award for Best Director. He graduated UNATC in Bucharest - theatre direction. Since 2014 he is the artistic director of the National Theatre "Marin Sorescu". He sees theatre as a space of encounters and shared emotions. In his plays, he uses new media, technologies, mechanisms, and different themes to engage the audience in emotional experiences by connecting with each other, interacting and asking questions.

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Monica Barbovschi is a sociologist, community organizer and relationship coach aiming to educate people about open relationships. She has founded the first non-monogamy community in Romania based on feminist values and consent culture.

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Known as Marea Dragoste, she is a young visual artist, writer, perfumer, and online performer. Utilizing Instagram as a platform, Marea Dragoste showcases her artistic expressions through short, impactful films. Her work, characterized by raw imagery and spontaneity, aligns with postmodern aesthetics.

In 2016, she collaborated with the creative duo Imaculatura for an exhibition at Vienna Design Week and published her debut book, "Calaiacanaia," which won the Best Artist Book award. She has had numerous collaborations with various designers, artists, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. In 2019, she released another poetry book titled "Hotel Resort." Currently, she is studying and exploring the Art of Perfumery.

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An artistic and editorial collective based in Bucharest, founded in 2021. Their practice revolves around speculation as a crucial method for rethinking contemporary discourses, blending rationality with fiction, science with imagination, and knowledge with emotion.

Specula embraces effort, error, and vulnerability, presenting unfinished works, rational theories reimagined into compassionate forms, impossible depictions of the world, future fiction, and invented languages. Over the past three years, they have organized events such as installations, unconventional readings, and culinary interventions, fostering dialogue between members' contributions and the collective imagination of public spaces. Members include: Irina Bobei, Daniela Custrin, Matei Dumitriu, Mircea Andrei Florea and Ioana Gemănar.

Victor Fota is a graduate of the University of Fine Arts in Bucharest. His works depict his inner reality through an eclectic approach to aesthetics. Employing a surrealistic style that combines introspection, reason, and a touch of the subconscious, his art embodies a sense of maximalism. Focusing on the contemporary individual and their internal struggles, Fota aims to prompt viewers to contemplate the details and the precise execution of forms through oil paints. He has exhibited worldwide in renowned galleries such as Jonathan LeVine in NY, Corey Helford in LA, Ryan Joseph in Denver, Hauch in Prague, and Galateca in Bucharest. Some of his paintings have been featured in international magazines such as WIRED, Vice, Hi-Fructose, and Juxtapoz.

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A musical ensemble that blends spontaneous thought and performance to create a unique form of communication. The name Al-Ehtifal, meaning "The Celebration" in Arabic, reflects the project's spirit of uninhibited creativity and exploration.

In a music scene often shaped by polished narratives, Al-Ehtifal Project champions raw authenticity. Through continuous experimentation and a refusal to conform to established norms, the ensemble embraces evolving soundscapes and collective learning. With a flexible lineup of musicians, the core members are based in Bucharest.

An editorial platform promoting young writers, where people can explore creative writing through poetry. Additionally, Note de subsol puts together regular events both online and offline where young poets put themselves out there.

Their goal is to provide a safe space for literature enthusiasts, offering inspiration and fostering an environment where self-expression and experimental writing have a platform.

Music artist and co-founder of Seventhirtyone, a unisex clothing brand started off in Bucharest. Big on vintage apparel himself, Tugay reimagines iconic elements in a deeply personal manner in his vibrant collections.

He is also the co-founder of the duo Alex și Tugay & Tugay și Alex. Notable music collaborations include Azteca, Băieți Cuminți, Nane, Ian and Lino Golden. He is also one of the hosts of the Rush Hour Show alongside Alex Bittman and Beni.

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Irina Lalciu is an artist and former gymnast from Romania with over 20 years of experience in the art of movement, spending her journey performing, choreographing, learning & teaching.

She studies Street & Club Styles by participating in authentic events and workshops, taught by pioneers/originators of the styles: Hip Hop, Breaking, Litefeet, Voguing, House, Chicago Footwork, Popping, Waacking, Locking, Dancehall.

She is a member of the International House of Elle and the Mother of the Romanian chapter.

The duo formed by Niko G. aka Nicoleta Ghiță and Kali aka Mihaela Drăgan is unique to the Romanian music landscape: Roma women singing trap – a journey also set out to revolutionize the sexist music industry in Romania. Tehno-Vrăjitoarele is their first album released and the first Romanian feminist trap album that tackles anti-racist and social themes. Through their music, the two artists talk about power games, the struggle of Roma women, passions, and vices. Their rhymes discuss sisterhood and woman power. They want to build a picture of a future free of oppression through trap beats and liberating lyrics.

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POC!, is the first documentary-comics magazine in Romania. Its stories reflect on both important environmental issues and some much-needed local initiatives for smaller communities. Thus, POC! wants to facilitate a framework for reflection that combines social analysis with artistic creation. Its topics challenge us to rethink social mechanisms and personal beliefs.

Ana Crăciun Lambru is a renowned theatre director and master puppeteer from Romania. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Puppetry from the I.L. Caragiale Academy of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography in Bucharest. In 2016, she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut, supported by a Fulbright Scholarship. After returning to Romania in 2016, Ana continued her career as a freelance artist and founded Free Puppet Theatre, an independent company. Since then, she has directed over 15 puppet theatre productions in both state and independent theatres across the country. Currently, Ana focuses on developing projects aimed at helping children stay connected to their authentic selves while guiding adults to reconnect with their inner child.

Andreea is a content creator passionate about books. She goes beyond by tailoring book recommendations to match everyday moods, providing honest reviews, engaging in reading challenges, and crafting lists exploring complex characters and their connections to pop culture. She brings the #BookTok niche into everyday lifestyle, making it a cool and relatable experience, adding genuine value to a trend sparked by influencers in the past few years.

Team Prieteni was the most affluent Twitch community in Romania. Founded by Silviu Faiar, Alex Zlavog, and Really Rux, Team Prieteni evolved into a genuine community of Twitch streamers. Some of the members focused on social or political topics, such as @jocsivorbe and @nichitaliga. During its active years, they constantly dominated the Romanian Twitch charts.

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Lexi, also known as @xlexi7, is a Bucharest-based Twitch streamer who initially gained popularity as a makeup streamer. Recently, she has diversified her content by delving into video games streams and reacting to current events. In 2023, Lexi hosted the longest subathon in the Romanian Twitch community. Known for her mastery in special effects makeup, Lexi crafts mesmerizing looks inspired by the personas of horror cinema and the world of Disney villains, demonstrating her creativity and skill. Beyond streaming, she is an activist who regularly conducts charity streams, donating the profits to various causes in need.

The first Environmental Film Festival for children and young people in Brașov. Culmea sets out to create an educational platform that fosters dialogue during this climate crisis, using film as both a tool and a gateway to the world. Their aim is to shape a community and create support systems (families, friends) that enhance awareness about the climate crisis, and provide access to resources necessary for leading a responsible and sustainable life.

Former student at the University of Arts in Bucharest, Mihaela studied painting only to switch canvases later. She is now a vanguard make-up artist. As a makeup artist, she shows a great sense of composition and a thing for creating surrealistic characters. Her make-up goes from classic beauty looks, to unconventional transformations.

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TLTXT is a platform dedicated to the Romanian pop culture scene, founded by Paul Breazu, Dinu Guțu, Costi Rogozanu, Ciprian State, and Marina Oprea. Their approach is to be popular, but not populistic, propagandistic, intellectual, or academic; they aim to question the status quo. They tackle on popular topics, but from a analytical point of view. Their modus operandi is understanding the present by looking at past events, putting new meaning and giving context to pop culture.

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The designer behind Barning, a Romanian brand that stands out with its revolutionary take on fashion, embracing minimalism, non-binary designs, and a futuristic aesthetic. Barni, an androgynous model and the creative mind behind the brand, challenges traditional gender categorizations in fashion. Their fascination with the visual realm extends beyond fashion, having interests in architecture and beauty. Barning's ethos embodies a fresh perspective, promoting inclusivity and pushing boundaries within the fashion landscape.

An international transdisciplinary art and ecology program based in the balneo-climateric resort of Slanic-Moldova.

Since 2017, In Context functions as a learning lab, facilitating experiences based on investigation, research, interaction and cooperation designed to encourage participants to think for themselves, to understand the complexity of the global world, and to act in solidarity with the nature and future generations. By building a culture of experimentation and collaboration, the program inspires lifelong learning, critical thinking, curiosity, community, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Contemporary art, experimental music, Eco- Responsabile design and education are being used here as tools for creating a living future.

Co-founded by Golden Bear winning director Adina Pintilie in 2010, Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival promotes innovative audio visual works and bold artistic visions that push the boundaries of cinematic language. Focused on total creative freedom, the festival features three main competitions: international and national short films, and international feature films, each showcasing thought-provoking themes reflecting contemporary realities. BIEFF’s program also includes collaborations with prestigious festivals, Q&A sessions, panels, and masterclasses to encourage dialogue between filmmaker sand audiences. Recognized internationally, the festival is a member of The Short Film Conference Network and of The European Network for Film Discourse (END).

Maria/maribittersea is a multidisciplinary artist navigating the complex terrains of digital culture, where spirituality, technology, and critical theory collide. As the creative director of END, she operates at the intersection of art, music, and radical cultural intervention, challenging the passive consumption of contemporary media.

Emerging from a landscape where internet spirituality represents a bold exploration of meaning, her work interrogates the fragmented realities of our post-digital existence. Guided by END's core philosophy of creating violent art that confronts the commodification of culture, she channels a vision that demands attention—breaking through the noise of algorithmic optimization to forge new narratives of collective imagination and resistance.

Independent-specialised publishing house based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, founded by Alex Ciorogar. The editorial team focuses on: contemporary poetry, fiction, philosophy, and literary theory. The works published so far focus on: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Open to any form of experimentation and innovation, casual yet luxurious, not too mainstream or too underground, the team hopes their books will shape the cultural life of our society by engaging in international conversations.

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Independent home deco shop based in Bucharest. The creators behind this brand are two UNARTE graduates who started this business during the pandemic. Their products are sustainable and handmade, trying to combine both aesthetics and utility. Their colorful style could fit into maximalism, defined by the aesthetic and tendency toward excess, but in a joyful manner. Product features include playful patterns, bold colors, busy spaces, human emotions visually transposed, and quirky elements.

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Adelina Petcan is the creative mind behind HUMAN APJ, a jewelry brand based in Bucharest. The brand revolves around the symbol of the minimized human silhouette, drawing inspiration from the nuances of everyday life. Her meticulous designs are handcrafted in a small workshop, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The 'Naturalia' collection, unveiled in 2023 at Grotto gallery, delves into the significance of time and humanity's relationship with nature.

Aldessa is an activist at the forefront of the Roma feminist movement with expertise in social advocacy. She has been with E-Romnja since 2013, currently coordinating the Sisterhood mentorship program and closely working with Roma youth groups from Mizil, Giurgiu and Valea Seacă. Through her activism, she aims to create safe intersectional feminist spaces for Roma girls and women, allowing them to freely express their ideas and opinions.

In 2017, she also branched out and started playing music in well-known Bucharest-based venues such as Apollo111, Manasia and ArtHub as a response to the lack of Roma DJs within the local music scene. Her DJing is reflective of her intersectional practice as an activist since Aldessa exclusively plays manele focused on female empowerment which she refers to as feminist manele.

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Téa Nicolae is a scholar-practitioner and poetess. She writes devotional (bhakti) poetry and her main research interests are the Sanskrit epic poem the Mahābhārata, the Goddess-worshipping stream of Śāktism, and non-dual philosophy. She is currently completing a Ph.D. at the School of Divinity of Edinburgh University, where she is researching the female experience of the Mahābhārata. Her first collection of poetry, ”songs of youth”, a chronicle of the journey threaded to adulthood through the angst of adolescence, was published in 2023. In addition to her formal academic training, Téa is immersed in the study of Tāntrik oral-practice traditions. She considers that her writings are enriched by the insights and experience unearthed through practice.

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In the first few years of Paula's freelancing journey, one of her biggest goals was to create beautiful work. Over the past years, though, beauty has been dethroned by meaning, which has become her ultimate professional goal: creating simple, idea-based, meaningful work, that strikes a chord in its audience.

As far as her editorial and advertising design works, Paula has collaborated with love marks like: Monocle, Pepsi, Fast Company, DoR, Scena9, ING, Milka, Greenpeace and Samsung.

Georgiana Ilie is a content creator who likes to cook simple recipes and plan her meals throughout the week. Her curated newsletter is a haven for culinary inspiration, especially for those searching meal planning. Throughout this time, she was a member of DoR's editorial team, and also managed a culinary blog. What distinguishes Georgiana's approach is her meticulous attention to detail, providing comprehensive solutions, ideas, and snack suggestions for those seeking culinary guidance every day.

Eliza Irimie-Dincă is an artist born in 1994. After developing an avid curiosity for the visual arts at an early age, Eliza began receiving drawing and painting lessons privately, laying a solid foundation for her artistic journey.

She attended the National University of Arts Bucharest, where she majored in Fashion, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts. After several years of experimenting with fashion, creating embroidered t-shirts and traditional Romanian-style blouses she made a permanent switch to painting in 2018. Among her influences, Eliza names Matisse, Anaïs Nin, Christian Lacroix, and Eyvind Earle.

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A Bucharest-based director, already known in the commercial and video scene, whose work has been recognized at various internationally renowned advertising, film, and fashion festivals. After graduating from film school in Los Angeles, Mindru has developed his own aesthetic: his videos are emotional experiences that visually capture human moments in their humor, intimacy, or drama.

Theatre group created by Zita Moldovan and Mihaela Drăgan. Giuvlipen, meaning feminism in Romani, is the first local independent feminist Roma theatre. Their art is dubbed by Reuters Agency as “the avantgarde of Roma revolution”, a form of empowerment in response to centuries of oppression.

Activism and art in a thought provoking dynamic, hoping to rise paramount questions about a failing system.

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Pe Stop is an ONG committed to providing access to menstrual care products to vulnerable girls and women in Romania, as well as facilitating access to proper information on how to manage one’s menstruation safe, with no stigma. The team distributes menstrual care packages, organizes free health classes, and supports communities who want to join them. They tackle period poverty, an insidious and often overlooked component of poverty in Romania.

NOVA Festival is a pioneering event in Romania that highlights surprising collaborations between art and science, driven by cutting-edge creative technologies. With a rich program of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities, NOVA fosters innovation and exploration at the intersection of disciplines.

Over its four editions, the festival has brought together more than 100 artists, researchers, and practitioners from around 20 countries. NOVA invites audiences to experience interactive, thought-provoking works that blend artistic expression with scientific discovery, promoting both personal and communal growth. Through its unique approach, NOVA has become a key hub for creative experimentation and the advancement of interdisciplinary dialogue.

Daniela Custrin (b. 1997) is a curator and writer based in Bucharest, and a member of the artistic and editorial collective Specula. She holds a Master’s degree in Visual Culture from the Center of Excellence in Image Studies, with a thesis following ecological art discourses.

Daniela’s work focuses on exploring new ways of writing and communicating about the world, with an emphasis on theorizing emerging aesthetic categories and trends found online. By uncovering and engaging with these new sensitivities, she aims to contribute to more accessible—and potentially inspiring—visions of the future.

@terapiepentruzoomeri is an online project created by psychotherapist Denisa-Maria Petriș, designed as a space for gentle and playful exploration of queer, feminist, anti-capitalist, politically conscious, and community-based psychotherapy. Rooted in Denisa’s experience working primarily with Gen Zers—and shaped by her personal interests and political values—terapiepentruzoomeri is, in a way, both a playground and a manifesto. Denisa is also part of Cooperativa Terapeutică, a Cluj-based non-hierarchical collective of therapists committed to non-exploitative practices, inclusivity, and collective care.

Robert Antoniac (b.1997) , formerly known in the social media field as Tim Dugan, is a Bucharest- based multidisciplinary artist, an alumnus of the Photography and Time Based Art programme at the National University of Arts, Bucharest. Antoniac's artistic practice grows in the liminal space of fashion styling and photography, expanding into the realms of experimental and glossy. His work has been exhibited at The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Bucharest, Mobius Gallery, Switch Lab, Rezidenta BRD Scena9 and commissioned (both as stylist and as a photographer) by publications such as This is Badland, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Elle, The Future of etc.

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Mădălina Mihuțoiu is an illustrator born in Bucharest, currently based in the north of the Netherlands. With a BA in Illustration & Animation from the Minerva Academy in Groningen, she draws inspiration from folklore, fantasy, and her love for birds. Switching between pen, keyboard, and punch needle, she brings to life quirky, often zoomorphic characters. She explores creative coding, storytelling, and visual interaction - key elements in crafting compelling visual narratives. Her work is influenced by cartoons, her surroundings, and traditional Romanian masks used in rituals to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune the entire year. Mădălina finds peace in craftsmanship and the art of slow, deliberate creation, always striving to infuse her work with a touch of magic.

Fashion photographer and content creator. Christian has been featured in Vogue Italy when he was only 16 years old and has not stopped creating since then. His editorials are distinctive and entrancing as he manages to capture and display garments and subjects in an almost seductive, yet candid manner. Christian’s technique exudes the type of experimentalism fashion photography requires in order to be innovative. He is commissioned and featured by numerous brands, magazines and designers such as Glamour, Elle, Entrance Store, Lana Dumitru, Acne Studios, Harper’s Bazaar, Kaltblut, Pas Du Tout, Swarovski, Silvia Paval and various others.

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Visual artist mixing media, drawing and installations as mediums of expression. Lea brings her imagery to life by looking at melancholy, cruelty, or bitterness through the lens of pop culture.

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Photographer and musician, passionate about theatrical arts and the relationship between the three. One of his editorial projects, Age is a Wrinkle, focuses on a series of intimate portraits of Bucharest's elderly community. Glamour, humor, vulnerability, and fashion all come together in the series of photographs in order to resist and challenge our preconceptions of elderly people. For Nikita, it is paramount to depict his characters as multifaceted individuals.

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Simona Delegeanu is a singer, instrumentalist, and producer who blends the raw emotion of traditional Romanian folkloric music with the rich sounds of soul and R&B. She describes her music as "what you’d get if Maria Tănase and Billie Eilish got on stage and sang together," delivering deeply expressive performances infused with ethereal vocals, atmospheric instrumentals, and a bold artistic vision. In 2024, she captivated audiences on Vocea României, further establishing herself as one of the most intriguing voices in Romania’s evolving music scene.

Călin Alexandru Hasnaș is a Romanian artist based in Bucharest. He explores alternative r&b and rap. Having shared his first works on YouTube from a young age with the series called: "YouTube Police’’, he combined constructive criticism with humor and irony, classifying it as a pamphlet.

In 2021 Călin released the highly anticipated album: "Women Drink Trouble". It shaped his sound considerably, the album having a massive breakthrough on streaming services.

On January 30, 2022, the next album, "Someday We'll Be Alright", was announced and was released on November 25, 2022, with uncredited features.

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Innovative wine glass, designed for out door use which combines the elegant with the practical.

It can be pinned in the ground so that you can stop worrying about spilling the wine at the first wind blow.

The person behind this idea is Ramona Enache-Lorenz, young architect and sommelière, with passion for wine and the great outdoors.

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Anda is an interior designer, known as the creative mind behind Studionada. Drawing inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, she keeps herself updated with the latest trends in interior design.

Her style is characterized by a blend of minimalism, cool vibrant colors, and Scandinavian elements, all embracing the fresh aesthetics of Gen Z. She showcased her skills through the interior design work she did for Nectar, a hip juice bar in Bucharest.

Romania's first alternative lifestyle hub. A sex-positive space for all fetish aficionados and those exploring. This space in particular is meant to be a space of togetherness and community for all those that society would judge and exclude. Aims through its events and programs to facilitate communication, interaction, and participation of adults in social and educational activities to promote the rights and freedoms of persons belonging to communities or sexual minorities. Also the hub provides them with a platform for expression, interaction, and education that supports, cultivates and develops community spirit.

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A multidisciplinary creative juggling between photography, videography, music production and design. He is merging all his skills under the umbrella of more co-founded projects like Millennial Studio (fashion and graphic design studio), Goodbuy Gallery (art gallery) and Moxa 20 Studio (unconventional multi media art studio) together with his closest friends. Being inspired by skateboarding culture and various underground scenes, Sebastian’s past works showcased a raw perspective of the world around him with a twist of irony and a splash of cuteness.

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A performance nutritionist and registered dietitian based in Qatar, dedicated to improve athletic performance and the overall well-being of the general population through evidence-based nutrition strategies and cardiometabolic testing. After earning a master’s degree in specialized nutrition from Leeds Beckett University and receiving accreditation from the British Dietetic Association (BDA), he founded Nutritik Performance, a platform designed to support individuals in making sustainable and effective nutritional changes.

Currently, he is working in professional football with Al Arabi Sports Club, applying advanced dietary strategies to enhance player performance. Beyond football, Alex has collaborated with elite swimmers, including Vlad Stancu, Robert Badea, Denis Bacalu, and Alex Constantinescu, helping them optimize their nutrition for peak performance in the pool. 

Sabina is a versatile content creator based in Bucharest that talks about the world of fashion on YouTube and Twitch. She is also working as a fashion stylist since 2016. On her Twitch channel, she offers insights into costume design in films, current fashion trends, and iconic or sustainable outfits. She actively participates in live streams alongside other influencers showcasing her passion and insights in the world of fashion.

Alexandru Țanțu is an LGBTQ+ activist who lobbies against stereotyping HIV positive people. His mission is to bring forth and normalize topics such as the immense difficulty to access treatment when testing positive for HIV. He advocates alongside some of the most vocal organizations like Asociatia Accept, MozaiQ, Rise OUT, and Pride Romania.

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Zidrept is an online platform dedicated to providing educational legal content and insights on various social issues. Founded by Claudia, a lawyer based in Cluj-Napoca, the platform seeks to simplify complex legal concepts, making them accessible to everyone and fostering a well-informed community. Through engaging posts and discussions, Zidrept empowers individuals with knowledge of their rights and societal issues, making the law more relatable and applicable to everyday life. In addition to legal education, Zidrept serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of legal matters, offering tailored insights and guidance to meet individual needs.

Young filmmaker and writer, debuted with the poetry collection „Mă uit înapoi și dispare” (I look back and it’s gone) in 2020. She wrote three theatre plays and her films have been part of festivals like Sarajevo IFF, Shanghai IFF and BIEFF. She is the organiser of the Super Film Festival and founder of the Gura Mare platform.

Megan Dominescu is a textile artist based in Bucharest. After experimenting with weaving, sowing, fabric collaging and clothing she became invested in making tapestry. In late 2020 she collaborated with Mircea Popescu, Mișu Cojocaru and Andrei Robin Proca for a 3D animated rug, exhibited at Carusel Carturesti. Her art captures genuine and absurd concepts in both Romanian and international pop culture.

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A literature graduate working between Bucharest, Oradea, and Amsterdam, Ruxandra’s favourite occupation is book vlogging. Her social media username 4fara15 refers to a poem written by Virgil Mazilescu. She loves talking about books, the importance of libraries, diverse literature, and poetry. Since 2023, she is inviting her followers to discover the world through literature, reading one book from every country (197). 

Apart from her Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube videos, she also engages with her community through online book clubs and reading challenges, inviting her followers to diversify their reading lists. Her goal is to make books a water-cooler moment, something discussed in the ‘here and now’ amongst the Romanian public.

She is currently completing an internship at the European Cultural Foundation in Amsterdam as part of The Europe Challenge, a program dedicated to libraries across Europe.

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Anca Bârjovanu (b. 1998, Romania) is a multidisciplinary artist based in The Hague, Netherlands. Her work encompasses drawing, sculpture, painting, and jewelry design. Currently, she focuses on fine metals and maintains an active studio practice. Anca works as the Lead Polisher and is training as a goldsmith at Tiffany & Co. She is also involved with the local artist collective ‘See Lab’, where she manages communications and co-founded Milk&Cereals, a platform supporting emerging artists through events and exhibitions. Anca's work has appeared in various exhibitions, including "Every moment a junction" at Nest, NL, and "In Transit" at Munich Jewellery Week 2023, GER. She hosted her first solo show "Soft like Heaven/Hard as Hell" in 2019 at Cazul101, Bucharest.

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”Starea Romilor” (Roma Status) project was created by Roma Education Fund Romania and originated with a Facebook group, administrated by Gabriel Zorilă. Within the project, young Roma individuals who can inspire others through their activities are posted every Monday to Friday. One of their impactful social media projects includes also ”Povești care Inspiră” (Inspiring Stories), a video series on YouTube platform, that is spotlighting the remarkable life paths of young Romani individuals. In addition to Facebook and YouTube, the Roma Status materials are available on multiple social media platforms such as Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Spotify.

They are a driving force and a noteworthy organization because they actively engage in ensuring equal educational opportunities for all Romani children.

Teenage magazine, created as an alternative to mainstream media, focusing on the urban landscape.

The editorial team consists of high school students. It all started with an open call on Facebook which brought together 6 unknown quirky people.

Two editions after it all started, 30 people from different cities collaborate in order to change the world.

The result is a highly intimate and accurate depiction of the teenage universe, with its adventures, failures and ways of interaction.

Music producer, based in Bucharest. Alex aka Sybro started the iconic duo: Alex și Tugay & Tugay și Alex. He has been crushing it solo and together with his crew, experimenting different music genres form electronic to trap.

Representing the Bucharest underground kulture, with a devoted fan base, you can sense his deep connection to music by listening to "Fata mea când te văd așa cochetă", "Stop" or "Seara asta".

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Alexandra Statache aka YCS is a social activist and music artist capable of going from new club styles; ballroom, jersey club , reggaeton to breakbeats, experimental and house in one seamless DJ set that you can often go and enjoy at local clubs and queer events.

Respecting and studying the cultural aspects of the music genres they play, is important for her to keep the music alive and true.

YCS is a refreshing presence for the local electronic music scene as their selections explore club politics in relation to queerness, dance and futurism. They currently play at venues like Club Control, Platforma Wolff and Filaret 16 or you can listen to YCS’s mixes on Black Rhino Radio, LYL Radio and Electronic Beats.

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Zlavog, AKA Alex Zlavog, AKA @efectiveu is a Bucharest based streamer, co-creator of Team Prieteni ensemble.

Alex tackles in his streams various topics: gaming, the status quo or reacting to local internet fun. He has reached top 3 most watched Twitch streamers in Romania.

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Norbert Fodor graduated Cinematography at the Faculty of Theatre and Film in Cluj-Napoca. Over the past five years, he has worked as a creative video director, crafting compelling commercial films for various clients, such as Red Bull, Medlife, OTP, Regina Maria, Ursus, Samsung, Banca Transilvania, and Telekom. Recently he’s been exploring the dynamic world of visual storytelling and started working on TV series such as 'Subteran,' the first Romanian Original Netflix series.

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Loteria Climatică is an art project that raises awareness about the climate crisis in fun and quirky ways. It features a series of highly produced shorts that tackle the most important aspects of climate change, from the impacts of climate change in Europe, to the real culprits of the crisis, plastic recycling and many other issues. In addition, it included an exhibition on climate change. This headlined an arcade game where visitors could learn about their carbon footprint and make global policy decisions. It also included large graphics, recyclable products and an entire wall dedicated to what you as an individual can do to make a difference.

The project was created by Alex Lungu and Liviu Bărbulescu.

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Andreea Ciocîrlan, known as Ciocârlica, is a versatile creative based in Bucharest, merging her expertise as an interior architect specialized in Horeca projects with her talent as a visual artist. Her illustrations embody bold colours and quirky-looking shapes and textures, which she describes as being inspired by the “unique simplicity of everyday life.”

Through her diverse skill set and passion for creative expression, she blurs the lines between disciplines, seamlessly merging her areas of expertise to create immersive experiences.

Mihaela Cîrjan and Lea Rasovszky, the founders of Matka, believe that culture-mediated education has a strong impact on the long run, generating open, free mindsets, as well as creative, socially-aware individuals.

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Bucovina Digital Media Days (BDMD) is a festival designed to unite artists, communicators, legal experts, and forward-thinkers in the digital space. It fosters collaboration to drive both professional growth and grassroots change. Focused on empowering those at the beginning of their journey, BDMD serves as a bridge between emerging talent and industry leaders, providing opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Founded by Saul Pop and Loredana Bertișan-Pop - a couple dedicated to shaping a nation that meets the needs of its people through education - the festival creates a learning environment tailored to the ever-evolving demands of both the workforce and the work field. Their mission is to empower communities to become more sustainable, educated, ethical, and future-oriented, leaving a lasting impact on the digital and creative industries.

The CONTEXT platform is an independent media start-up dedicated to cultivating and expanding Romania’s community of investigative journalists. It focuses on exposing corruption, fraud, and organized crime through high-quality journalistic investigations. Their primary goal is to raise the standard of investigative journalism by providing education, technology, and mentoring programs for young reporters interested in this field.

CONTEXT serves as a hub for collaboration among investigative journalists in Romania, one of Europe’s most corrupt countries. As a member of the International Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the platform actively promotes cross-border cooperation in investigative reporting.

Lil' Paris is Burning — a vibrant celebration of queer culture, where expressiveness and competition come together in a spectacle of identity. The winners of each category claim their prize and fame on a stage that redefines the art of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Spot Skatepark is the only indoor skatepark in Bucharest, designed to support and develop the local community of skateboarders, BMX riders, aggressive inline skaters, and scooter enthusiasts. Located in a 400-square-meter hall with a 6-meter-high ceiling, Spot offers aversatile space open year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The project was created as a meeting place for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, aiming to become a key hub for events, competitions, and workshops dedicated to extreme sports as well as other activities. More than just a skatepark, Spot is a community - a place where passion and progress come together, providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

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Sebastian Moroșanu, also known as Elmurorosa, is a variety streamer from Bucharest. Formerly part of the Team Prieteni streaming group, he tackles a wide range of topics from Romanian society to real estate listings, local TV shows, pop culture, politics, influencers, and public figures, in a critical and funny manner. His content stands out for its mix of humour and sharp observations, sought after viewers who enjoy both laughs and insightful opinions.

A cultural association founded in 2020 to foster experimentation within the arts. Its mission is to develop an inclusive, interdisciplinary community of young artists who collaborate to create high-quality artistic productions and build sustainable creative and educational networks. The association focuses primarily on the performing arts,emphasizing socially engaged theater productions and performance art. It also organizes workshops tailored for diverse audiences and hosts cultural events.

Notable projects include Papiloma Party, a theater production addressing HPV, Ecosystem – International Festival of Performing Arts, an inclusive and interdisciplinary project that brings together artists and performance practices from across Europe, and Orbis, a dystopian audio series.

A newly opened alternative creative space founded by a group of young artists. The place functions as a studio for screen-print, painting, design, photography and a lot more artistic activities. They often organise workshops, ad-hoc photoshoots, parties and even occasional showrooms for their personal projects.

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