At the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Mostar, Rector Prof. Dr. Ivo Čolak presented the honorary title Honoris Professor to Božo Biškupić, a distinguished cultural figure and long-standing promoter of the arts, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the academic community and the development of the University of Mostar.
During the visit to the Academy, they toured the institution’s facilities, and Professor Biškupić became acquainted with the teaching process, students’ work, as well as ongoing artistic projects and creative activities developed by the Academy.
On this occasion, Božo Biškupić expressed his gratitude for the award, emphasizing that he considers this appointment a special honor and a confirmation of his long-standing cooperation with the University of Mostar. “The University of Mostar has granted me a great recognition for which I am sincerely grateful. Being declared an honorary professor is a special honor for me, but also a confirmation of our joint work in developing culture, art, and the academic community. I see this recognition as an encouragement for further engagement and continued connection between art and science for the benefit of society as a whole,” Biškupić stated.
The Dean of the Academy of Fine Arts, Prof. Dr. Svetislav Cvetković, emphasized that this award represents a significant moment for the Academy, as well as confirmation of Biškupić’s long-standing connection with the development of the artistic and academic environment.
A Life Dedicated to Culture, Art, and Institutions
Božo Biškupić (born 1938) is a prominent Croatian cultural figure, former Minister of Culture, and long-standing promoter of the arts. A lawyer by profession, he earned a master’s degree in museology at the University of Zagreb and has been active since the 1960s in publishing, museology, and visual arts. He is the founder of the Biškupić Collection and the editor and publisher of more than 160 bibliophile editions, along with numerous monographs and professional works.
During his long public career, he served three terms as Minister of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, during which he made a significant contribution to the development of cultural infrastructure, particularly through projects involving the construction and renovation of museums and other cultural institutions. His work is recognized as an important contribution to strengthening institutional frameworks and developing modern cultural policy.
He has also left a notable mark in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where through his engagement and donations he supported various cultural projects. Particularly significant is his contribution to the development of the Museum of Modern Art of the University of Mostar, to which he donated valuable collections of books and artworks and participated in shaping and strengthening its artistic infrastructure.
As part of the closing of the Week of Science and Art, the awarding of the honorary title further highlighted his long-standing dedication to connecting artists and institutions, developing publishing, and promoting Croatian art domestically and internationally, confirming his lasting connection with the academic and cultural community.
