Nika Dobric

Nika Dobric

MENTEE

The Netherlands
COHORT OF 2025
Mentor : Ishi Mahadurage

My mission is to create an accessible cultural space where people can encounter art’s beauty, find renewed perspective, and experience a sense of belonging in an increasingly complex world.

Working between Croatia, Greece, and the Netherlands has shaped both my worldview and my professional identity. Trained in Art History and Cultural Anthropology, I have built a career defined by mobility, curiosity, and an ongoing commitment to cultural exchange. My trajectory spans museums, commercial galleries, art fairs, and research environments, allowing me to engage with diverse artistic ecosystems and audiences. In each position, I refined my skills in curatorial research, public engagement, project coordination, and writing, while also learning how to navigate the fast-paced realities of contemporary cultural institutions. Alongside my professional work, I actively volunteer, reflecting my belief in community-building, education, and cultural continuity. Writing remains a parallel thread in my practice; through essays, interviews, and catalogue texts, I explore how artists communicate meaning and how audiences receive and interpret it. These activities allow me to stay connected to artistic discourse and maintain an analytical, reflective approach to the field.

At the core of my passion is people. I am motivated by the encounter between a visitor and an artwork – those moments when visual language unlocks a new perspective, stirs emotion, or simply offers a sense of beauty in an overstimulated world. I believe that art can quietly transform the way individuals think, feel, and relate to their surroundings. My long-term goal is to help shape art spaces that are intellectually engaging yet emotionally accessible, places where artists feel supported in sharing their vision and where audiences feel welcomed, seen, and inspired. I thrive most when connecting creators and visitors, designing experiences that broaden understanding and brighten daily life.

I joined the 30U30 Mentorship Program seeking clarity. After several years of fast-paced roles across Europe, I found myself uncertain about the next step. The program has been instrumental in helping me articulate my ambitions and define a coherent direction. My mentor, Ishi, has been exceptional – thoughtful, attentive, and generous in perspective. Through our conversations, I have gained confidence, strategic focus, and a renewed sense of purpose within the cultural sector.