Annual concerts of cultural-artistic associations in Serbia: the clash of two different Concepts of professionalization

Abstract

In this paper two concepts of professionalization are observed within a unique cultural context: the annual concept of the cultural-artistic society (KUD) in a small town in central Serbia. It is about the conception 1) of folklore in choreographies, and 2) of a neo-traditional approach to rural folk songs. The former conceptual direction has a long tradition in Serbia and criteria of professionalism in this respect are well established and confirmed through long lasting practice. The latter, relatively new (from the 1990s onwards), is still missing firm criteria for professionalization on the same level as the former one. Different elements of aesthetic and ethic goals are elaborated, as well as the demands of the audience for each of the two conceptions. In this case, through KUD activity, two different cultural patterns in contemporary Serbia may also be seen.