In this series of articles, we're diving into the outcomes of the Digital Inter/Section project, showcasing how each consortium partner is developing prototypes of new business models for their organizations. Today, we're highlighting KONTEJNER, a non-profit cultural organization from Zagreb, Croatia, while Jadrana Curkovic, a dynamic communication consultant with a talent for helping bring creative visions into business reality, takes us through KONTEJNER’s journey.
KONTEJNER is at the forefront of contemporary intermedia art, sound art, and experimental music, tackling provocative and often taboo subjects, and exploring the intersections of science, technology, and the human body in society. “For over five years, KONTEJNER has been on the hunt for the perfect venue in Zagreb to create a new cultural space”, explained Jadrana. "Our vision was to establish a well-equipped, accessible venue for contemporary culture production that would also inspire new business ideas, enabling us to collaborate with different stakeholders and establish new revenue streams."
During this search, KONTEJNER joined forces with other DI/S partners. The project's mission of fostering new business models for digital art was a perfect match for KONTEJNER's goals. “Our common aim was to start new collaborations and diversify revenue streams while maintaining sustainability,” Jadrana explains.
As the organization finally found, and then opened, its new, multifunctional space, KONTEJNER decided to prototype a business model that addressed two major challenges: sustainable funding and audience development. "We’re experimenting with new income sources and business sector partnerships. Our goal is to build meaningful connections with both the wider community and our immediate neighborhood," says Jadrana. To achieve this, KONTEJNER also established a company wholly owned by the NGO.
“Our vision is for this company to function as a social enterprise, reinvesting resources and profits back into the cultural sector while boosting the production and visibility of digital and new media art” Jadrana added. “We are eager to develop new products and services that cater to both our immediate and wider community, and consider the goals of our potential business partners as well.”
Within the DI/S Consortium KONTEJNER is exploring a new business model for the organization. It isn’t just creating a venue; they’re building a new company, crafting a dynamic space where art, technology, and community intertwine, gaining insights into creating new revenue streams and engaging with audiences and the business sector in innovative ways. We’re looking forward to seeing how this model can be re-used by other organizations to develop a sustainable and dynamic future for the ecosystem. If you’re interested in updates, please follow DI/S's LinkedIn page.
Communication expert with more than 20 years of experience in marketing management and communications, in the international business sector and media. Ten years ago established her own consultancy, working with corporations, the nonprofit sector, and on projects.
Passionately supports creative initiatives in the cultural sector and helps with her skills and knowledge in the areas of project development, marketing, communication and partnerships with the business sector. Part of the KONTEJNER team since 2018, when she developed go-to-market training for young artists and established first business partnerships for the organization.