On May 5, La MaMa’s Remake a World Gala will honor cultural leader and artist Beka Vučo. Her work manifests through her organization, My Balkans, and more than three decades working with the Open Society Foundations. Born and raised in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, her work uses the arts, culture, and education to empower citizens of the world to build a more just and open democratic society in the Balkans and South Eastern Europe.

Beka’s life has been dedicated to culture, democracy, human rights, and cultivating international understanding. She believes that the arts and culture can truly be transformative, sparking hope, and taking people on journeys of discovery and change. The My Balkans mission statement states: “The arts, culture, and education are pillars of a democratic society that play an essential role in human development. Actions in the sphere of arts, culture and education help create safe spaces for free expression, exchanges, and mutual understanding and contribute to social equality, cohesion, innovation, and change.” Beka is also an accomplished photographer. Her photography offers a personal view of the Balkan’s recent turbulent history.

As the Founder and President of the non-profit organization, My Balkans, Beka works tirelessly to support individuals and organizations in South Eastern Europe and the Balkans who are fighting for freedom of expression, social understanding, justice and equality.

Please join us on May 5 for La MaMa’s Remake a World Gala as we celebrate Beka Vučo, My Balkans, and La MaMa’s one world vision.