Second- and third-year students of the university undergraduate double-major study programme in Art History, attending the course The Right to Access Culture and Art, visited the Croatian National Theatre in Osijek with their lecturer Narcisa Vrbešić-Ravlić, Master of Laws, Specialist in Law. They were welcomed by the Theatre’s General Manager, Vladimir Ham, who introduced them to its organisational structure and operations, as well as its role in the art and culture of Osijek and Croatia. The General Manager explained the Theatre’s status and operations as one of five theatres holding the status of a national theatre in Croatia. Students learned about how national theatres are funded for their regular annual programmes, as well as for guest performances and exchange programmes that contribute to a more balanced geographical distribution of artistic content. Students also had the opportunity to tour the Theatre’s departments and backstage areas, guided by Ivana Šojat, editor of theatre publications and translator, who is also a student attending the course. She introduced the students to the history of the Croatian National Theatre building and the beginnings of theatrical activity in Osijek. Of particular importance to the students was information about the Theatre’s accessibility and inclusivity, including access for persons with disabilities, affordable tickets for vulnerable groups, and ticket packages and subscriptions that make art and culture more accessible and provide all citizens with more equal opportunities to participate. These topics complemented the course content and its focus on human rights in culture. The students were invited to continue collaborating with and visiting the Croatian National Theatre, while the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek expressed its support for further cooperation on joint initiatives promoting inclusive culture and art.
