The Joana Grevers Foundation and the National University of Arts Bucharest held the “UNArte 2024 Award Winners at Cetate Arts Danube” exhibition from 1 September to 1 October 2024, showcasing top diploma works across various art departments.

The event opened on 1 September with Prof. Dr. Cătălin Bălescu, Associate Prof. Dr. Dorina Horătău, 17 young artists, and Dr. Joana Grevers.

Aiming to foster young artistic talent and networking opportunities, the Joana Grevers Foundation awarded one work. The jury included Prof. Dr. Ruxandra Demetrescu (chair), Dr. Joana Grevers, Adriana Oprea, Associate Prof. Dr. Dorina Horătău, and Ștefan Radu Crețu.

The exhibition winner was Ms Bianca Petrescu, a Graphic Design graduate. She received a cash prize and a one-week residency at Cetate Arts Danube in the summer of 2025.

Dates: 1.09.-1.10.2024

EXHIBITING STUDENTS
Cristina Gabriela Anghel, Alexandra Bianca Băjenaru, Maria Sabina Balaban, Cristina Bîrlădeanu, Abdulwahab Hamza, Andrei Ilie, Ruxandra Maria Laza, Paula Luntrariu, Mădălina Necșulescu, Răzvan Tiberiu Necula, Bianca Petrescu,  Ramona Prodan, Jaqueline Livia Rusu, Mara Schlecht, Mihail Sibiceanu, Mădălina Spînu, Ruxandra- Andreea Vulpe.

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The exhibition Haptic Challenges: Visuality and Experiment in Contemporary Art. 16 Portraits took place in the old barn of the Cetate domain near the Danube, showcasing 16 contemporary visual artists. Despite differing in vision, generation, and intent, the artists shared a drive to experiment with organic materials (wood, textiles, ceramics) and highlight the tactile quality of their work.

This experimentation blurred traditional art forms—sculptures became two-dimensional, ceramics turned monumental, and textiles formed striking installations. The barn’s heavy materiality enhanced the pieces’ tactile nature, contrasting the typical “white cube” gallery space.

Dates: 2.7.-26.10.2023

ARTISTS
Ioana Beju-Miller, Diana Butucariu, Megan Dominescu, Darie Dup, Vincentiu Grigorescu, Gloria Grati, Dorina Horatau, Nicolae Moldovan, Alexandru Pasat, Cristina Popescu Russu, Liviu Russu, Thórdís Alda Sigurdardóttir, Iris Stoff, Dan Vezentan, Marian Zidaru, Victoria Zidaru

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At the 15th edition, our residence hosted four artists: Albert Kaan, Stefan Radu Cretu, Alexandru Passat, and Cristian Raduta. The focus of this residency was restoration, during which the artists dedicated their efforts to restoring certain pieces and assisting with others, such as Napoleon Tiron’s “Labyrinth.”
Albert Kaan worked on two of his sculptures, incorporating LED lights and repairing the wooden planks of the pier.
Stefan Radu Cretu, who has several works at Cetate, devoted his attention to many of them, with a particular emphasis on “Asteroid.”
Cristian Raduta restored his Rhinos, which had been affected by the weather, along with other scattered works across the estate.
Alexandru Passat introduced his stone sculpture to the Sculpture Park.
In addition, a significant undertaking involved the renovation of the service house, now named “Casa Ileana.” This restoration resulted in the addition of three new rooms and a splendid transformation. The kitchen also underwent a makeover, leading to the creation of an outdoor summer kitchen for several weeks. It was a delightful experience as we dined under the stars and enjoyed breakfast with views of our enchanting park.

Dates: 19.06.-30.06.2022

ARTISTS
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Albert Kaan (Bucharest)
Alexandru Passat (Bucharest)
Cristian Raduta (Bucharest)

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During the 14th edition, we were privileged to host the German artist Johannes Vogl at our residency in Cetate. He crafted his debut work for the sculpture park – a massive sphere installed on one of the electricity pylons. The aluminium rods sway with the wind, creating a remarkable piece that radiates during sunrise and sunset. The construction process was quite time-consuming, involving the meticulous cutting of aluminium rods from longest to shortest, and the creation of the sphere posed its own set of challenges.
Another artist present was Simon Iurino. He focused on restoring his sculpture, which was in dire need of attention. Ultimately, he had to resort to burning the wooden planks he used in order to make them resilient against the harsh weather of the Romanian countryside.
Lastly, Adina Mocanu, a multimedia artist renowned for her performance and video work, joined us as well. Adina staged a performance within a tent adorned with painted glass pieces, while a narrative she composed about the “glitter apocalypse” played through wireless headphones. Residual Glitter initially emerged as a striking image in response to impending doom, exploring the prospect of a post-Anthropocene era. The ‘action’ unfolds in a surreal landscape formed by a bizarre apocalypse that transforms everything into glitter.

Dates: 11.08-29.08.2021

ARTISTS
Johannes Vogl (Berlin)
Simon Iurino (Vienna)
Adina Mocanu (Bucharest)

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For our 13th edition, we hosted a restoration and art maintenance residency with Mihai Cosuletu, Albert Kaan, George Macovei, and Gabriela Tillmanns.
Mihai Cosuletu concentrated on his sculpture “Site,” which was initially crafted from Styrofoam but was then cast in concrete to endure the harsh weather conditions of the Romanian countryside.
Gabriela Tillmanns undertook the restoration of the “Danube, Danube” sculpture by Stefan Papco. The wood had lost its polished surface, and there were damages due to the weather conditions.
George Macovei participated in the restoration of the house’s carpentry. His primary focus was on a large wooden door, which turned out to be splendid after the restoration process.

Date: 14.07 – 28.07.2020

ARTISTS
Albert Kaan (Bucharest)
Mihai Cosuletu (Bucharest)

CONSERVATORS
Gabriela Tillmans (Munich)
George Macovei (Bucharest)

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The 12th edition of Cetate Arts Danube – Artists in Residence took place from June 24th to July 24th, 2019. The edition showcased 5 artists – Sasha Auerbarkh, Stefan Radu Cretu, Albert Kaan, Petrica Stefan, Miki Velciov – along with 2 special guests – Napoleon Tiron and Johannes Vogl. Cretu focused on a kinetic piece titled “Fake Ghost,” Petrica created a site-specific mural, Kaan initiated a sculptural piece with substantial dimensions, Auerbakh crafted a Moon piece, and Velciov realized a sculpture akin to the one he created the previous year, playing with scale, optical illusions, and colours, aptly titled “Triandra.” The culinary aspect of the residency was impeccably managed, featuring the delectable cuisine prepared by Sicilian cook Caterina Guardino.

With the valued support of AFCN.

24.06 – 24.07.2019

ARTISTS
Sasha Auerbakh (Vienna)
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Albert Kaan (Bucharest)
Petrica Stefan (Timisoara)
Miki Velciov (Timisoara)

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03.07 – 03.08.2018

ARTISTS
Mihail Cosuletu (Bucharest)
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Albert Kaan (Bucharest)
Adina Mocanu (Bucharest)
Petrica Stefan (Timisoara)
Miki Velciov (Timisoara)

Special guest curator: Victoria Dejaco (Graz)

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As in every summer for the past ten years, the Cetate Arts Danube artist residency takes place in a 19th-century Romanian estate near the river. A former cereal barn has been transformed into artists’ studios for those invited by Joana Grevers, the organiser of this event and the owner of 418gallery. This year, attendees include Stefan Radu Cretu, Albert Kaan, Constantin Luser, Ignazio Mortellaro, Stefan Papco, Diet Sayler, and Petrica Stefan.
The estate’s columns and its small tower reflect a neoclassical architecture. Combined with the tranquillity, the pink hue of the evening sky, and the occasional sound of birds, one can easily feel as if they are in Tuscany. This year, the group of Romanian and international artists had the opportunity to interact with participants of the “Art in Context” curatorial workshop for five days at the estate, allowing for the exchange of ideas and discussions over drinks. Each day, delicious Sicilian food was prepared for them by the cook Caterina Guardino from Sciacca.

26.06 – 18.07.2017

ARTISTS
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Albert Kaan (Bucharest)
Constantin Luser (Vienna)
Ignazio Mortellaro (Palermo)
Stefan Papco (Bratislava)
Diet Sayler (Nuremberg)
Petrica Stefan (Timisoara)

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The Joana Grevers Foundation is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the Residency at Barbu Druga Castle in Cetate, Dolj County, Southern Romania. The vision of the Joana Grevers Foundation for this expansive location encompasses a desire on multiple levels. It aims not only to professionally present Romanian contemporary art but also to create the appropriate environment for art creation and promotion. This location is intended to be a part of Danubian tourism and to be marked on the map for travellers along the Danube, effectively transforming a former agricultural site into a hub of culture and a tourist attraction.

05.08 – 26.08.2016

ARTISTS
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Vikenti Komitski (Sofia – Berlin)
Stefan Papco (Bratislava)
Petrica Stefan (Timisoara)
Napoleon Tiron (Bucharest)

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The Joana Grevers Foundation is delighted to announce the 8th edition of the Cetate Arts Danube Artist in Residence at Barbu Druga Mansion in Cetate, Dolj County, Southern Romania.
Distinct from previous editions, this year’s installment is exclusively dedicated to sculpture, featuring four artists: three Romanian artists spanning different generations – Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu), Cristian Raduta (Bucharest), and Napoleon Tiron (Bucharest). Additionally, as is customary, the residency will host an invited artist from abroad: sculptor Simon Iurino from Vienna, a former student of Professor Heimo Zobernig.

Another first this year is the backing of AFCN. This marks the initial occasion since 2008 that the annual residency organized by the Joana Grevers Foundation has received financial support from the Administration of the National Cultural Heritage.

05.08 – 23.08.2015

ARTISTS
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Simon Iurino (Vienna)
Cristian Raduta (Bucharest)
Napoleon Tiron (Bucharest)

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The Joana Grevers Foundation is pleased to announce the invite-only seventh edition of the Cetate Arts Danube Artists-in-Residence programme. This programme will showcase the work of five artists spanning various media: Anca Bodea (Cluj-Napoca, Painting), Raphaëlle Boutié (a special guest from Paris, specialising in Painting and Drawing), Ștefan Radu Crețu (Sibiu, Kinetic Art), Cristian Răduță (Bucharest, Sculpture, Installation), and Petrică Ștefan (a special guest from Timișoara, focusing on Painting).

The artworks produced during the residency will be exhibited at the 418 Contemporary Art Gallery in Bucharest later this year.

Strategic Partners: 418 Contemporary Art Gallery, AgroArt

25.07 – 15.08.2014

ARTISTS
Anca Bodea (Cluj Napoca)
Stefan Radu Cretu (Sibiu)
Cristian Raduta (Bucharest)

SPECIAL GUESTS
Raphaelle Boutie (Paris)
Petrica Stefan (Timisoara)

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This year, the Druga estate witnessed an exceptional event. For the first time since the inception of the Cetate art workshop series, on the 15th of August, a retrospective exhibition was inaugurated, showcasing the works of the artists hosted at Cetate over the past 6 years. Additionally, the old smith’s shop was converted into a beautiful chapel according to the design by architect Alexandra Afrasinei. It was also inaugurated and consecrated on the same day, with the chapel’s name being “Sfanta Maria”.
Guests from Romania, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA participated in these special events and expressed their intent to return to this Danubian land.

02.08 – 19.08.2013

ARTISTS
Anca Bodea
Stefan Radu Cretu
Cristian Raduta

SPECIAL GUESTS
Cristian Sida- artist, Romania
Marinela Preda Sanc- artist, Romania

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The fact that the workshop has reached its fifth edition stands as a compelling testament to how this place challenges artists, coaxing them to work “en plein air”, urging them out of their comfort zones, and uniting them in an enduring summer narrative. This tale is whispered and recounted through the extended evenings at the Druga villa, where discussions on contemporary art unfold around a wooden table.

07.08 – 22.08.2012

ARTISTS
Anca Bodea
Cristian Raduta
Adriana Elian
Stefan Radu Cretu

SPECIAL GUEST
Maggie Michael – artist, USA

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During the fourth edition of the Cetate workshop, new artists were embraced by the serene yet potent beauty of Cetate. The American artist Maggie Michael was making her inaugural visit to the Romanian Danube locales and expressed her eagerness to return and relish the liberty of crafting within such an untamed and vibrant setting. Regarding sculptor Stefan Radu Cretu’s emotive creatures, the location couldn’t be more fitting. Upon arrival, one’s mind begins to conjure ideas about what Cetate might transform into in the future… yet, we are all appreciative of what already exists!

05.08 – 20.08.2011

ARTISTS
Cristian Raduta
Adriana Elian
Stefan Radu Cretu
Romul Nutiu

SPECIAL GUEST
Maggie Michael – artist, USA
Marina Albu – artist, Romania
Richard Unwin – freelance writer and art journalist, London

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The third edition of the workshop aimed to bring artists closer to the Barbu Druga mansion. They gradually immersed themselves in its rugged and enigmatic beauty. Their creations are intended to contribute to the development of an artistic legacy inspired by this historic gem of southern Danubian Romania.

04.08 – 20.08.2010

ARTISTS
Anca Bodea
Cristian Raduta
Adriana Elian
Romul Nutiu

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The second art workshop held at Cetate established the groundwork for what Joana Grevers envisions this place evolving into overtime. It is intended to be a hub for the Romanian artistic movement, an exhibition space primarily focused on painting and sculpture, a platform for discussions and debates about contemporary art, and a centre for international Danubian cultural exchange.

9.08 – 20.08.2009

ARTISTS
Anca Bodea
Alexandru Niculescu
Romul Nutiu
Dan Palade
Alexandru Passat
Vasile Rata
Cristian Raduta
Liviu Russu

SPECIAL GUEST
Sabine Rappel – co-organizer Donumenta Regensburg 2007

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The concept of an art workshop being organised in Cetate emerged spontaneously after a conversation between Joana Grevers and the painter Romul Nutiu. He proposed that this location could be a successful host for numerous artists to come and create, challenging any preconceptions about art and about themselves as creators. The emphasis was on unfettered creation. This marked the initial step toward the renaissance of this splendid family estate, following a phase of estrangement that endured for nearly 60 years.

16.08 – 29.08.2008

Artists

Alexandru Niculescu
Romul Nutiu
Dan Palade
Cristian Raduta

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