2023 was an unforgettable year, marked by Timisoara’s designation as the European Capital of Culture. This year opened up new opportunities, allowed me to meet inspiring artists, and gave me the platform to showcase my work in ways I’d never imagined. It was a full and intense year, with May, June, October, and November being the most exhausting yet exhilarating months I’ve ever experienced. As I look back on this transformative year, I’m filled with a sense of achievement and gratitude.
One of my proudest moments was when the show I directed, Ethnic Love Mix Vol 12 from the multicultural project Remix ID, was invited to perform in Veszprem, Hungary, the other European Capital of Culture. The show was a great success, and we had an amazing time in front of a new audience. 2023 truly became the year of Remix ID. As the artistic director of the project, I reached the pinnacle of my role, constantly making quick, critical decisions to keep everything running smoothly. I want to take this moment to thank my colleagues, project manager Mirela Stoeac Vladuti and PR specialist Cristian Vicol. Together, we made a fantastic team! The journey began with the grand opening of the Capital of Culture on February 17th, when Remix ID presented the exhibition Made Up Histories Have Long Lives, curated by Iris Ordean, showcasing works by nine international artists. This exhibition bridged contemporary art with traditional objects and themes, creating a unique blend that captivated the audience. The vernissage was followed by a vibrant party with two of Timisoara’s top music producers, Newgotti and George Allen, setting the perfect tone for the year ahead.
March saw us taking Remix ID to Veszprem, while in May, we reached another significant milestone with the launch of the Remix ID souvenir box. The box, a true cultural gem, contains documented stories of the ethnic communities, remixed postcards, coloring pages for children, and five delicious recipes from different ethnic groups. This was the only souvenir item in Timisoara that celebrated the city's multicultural legacy, and it remains available in libraries for purchase. The launch was followed by Nucleus, a sound performance by Ukustik, which used AI to generate sounds based on his movements and brain frequencies, adding a futuristic touch to the event. The performance was part of the #newtogether project intiated by the Austrian Forum in Bucharest.
After the summer, I dove back into perfecting the Ethnic Love Mix Show. One of the biggest challenges was designing a new multi-ethnic costume, which had to incorporate elements from the folk costumes of over 10 different ethnic minorities. I had the privilege of working with Dona Arnakis, a talented young artist from Timisoara, and her mother, Maria Arnakis, a skilled tailor. Together, they brought the costume to life, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic vision. The costume featured dramatic sleeves, symbolizing the strength of women, and trousers beneath the skirts, which were hand-painted with motifs from Remix ID’s documentation. This mother-daughter collaboration was a beautiful nod to the past, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.The debut of this remarkable costume happened during one of Romania's most influential radio shows, Guerrilive on Radio Guerrilla, hosted by Bogdan Serban. The live video of the show can be watched [HERE]. The response to the costume was overwhelmingly positive, and the radio show itself turned out to be a success. Along with me, I had Octavian Horvath, the music producer and sound designer of Remix ID, dancer Diana Abdo, Mr. Jozsef Balint, and Mr. Ioan Fodor. Together, we presented the music of Remix ID, with Mr. Balint performing an a cappella version of Reten Reten, followed by DJ K-lu’s remix, and Mr. Fodor playing a German folk song on his accordion, also remixed by Octavian Horvath. It was incredibly empowering to know that the entire nation was listening to Remix ID and witnessing Diana dance in the newly remixed costume.
Our year continued with two more performances of Ethnic Love Mix Vol 12, and in October, I directed a mini-show with 2nd to 4th graders. It was such a joyful experience, teaching them theater and introducing them to the multicultural heritage of Timisoara. The children delivered lines in five different languages and rehearsed two dances: a traditional German dance choreographed by Astrid Samantu, and a remixed version by Antonia Itineantu. I believe it’s essential to teach the next generation about the rich ethnic diversity and traditions of Timisoara’s ancestors.
2023 was an inspiring year, one where Timisoara blossomed culturally like never before. Remix ID was proudly part of the official Capital of Culture program, and I feel deeply blessed to have been part of the organisations of these events.

In 2024, Remix ID expanded internationally, with an exhibition by Rene Renard in Vienna. Rene’s powerful family story, told through photographic collages and sculptures, explores the hardships faced by her German-French family before, during, and after communism, when they lost everything due to national collective laws. The exhibition, hosted at the Eindorf Gallery in June, also featured a musical performance by Ukustik.Our work continues into 2024, with a children's show written by my colleague Cristian Vicol and directed by me, which premiered at the City Celebration and will be performed in two more schools. Remix ID is still going strong, and I’m excited for the future as Timisoara continues to thrive with its vibrant energy and diverse, talented artists.