The first ever Konekt event was held on Thursday, February 23 at the new WIP co-working space on Žnjan.
Split is an artistic city composed of musicians, artists, journalists, designers, photographers, restaurateurs, and the many more creative bodies hungry for a like-minded community that anticipates collaboration. Fortunately for us Splićani, we got just that at the first ever Konekt event held last night.
The Konekt concept was developed from the ideas of Tash Peričić (a New Zealander married to a Dalmatian man), and Alenna Skifić (an American-born Croatian who now lives in Croatia with her family). Sharing a mutual passion, love, and respect for Split, Peričić and Skifić felt the need to harness the incredible wealth of skills, talents, and expertise awaiting discovery within the city – and what better way to connect all walks of life than to unite them under one roof?
With a clear goal in mind, Peričić and Skifić initiated collaboration with the team from WIP – the unique co-working space on Žnjan which is the daughter company of Remote Year. Together with the WIP team that includes Katja Bogdanović (WIP Manager), Helena Lovrić (Experience Manager), Tamara Ilić (Ops Manager) and Mate Babić (City Director), Peričić and Skifić were able to secure the co-working space for the event and became one step closer to making this dream a reality.
After securing sponsors from some of the most established businesses in Split, Konekt came to fruition through a lively and excited atmosphere last night. Bringing together locals, expats, and anyone hungry to marry their creative ideas into something positive, the room was loud with laughter and clinks of champagne glasses, and a positive energy was thriving through the many collaborative conversations under way.
The event was fully sponsored by local business in and around Split, with key business sponsors including WIP, Untamed Adriatic, and Mario Grafički Studio. Bites and cocktails were donated from popular Split institutions including Bokeria, Brasserie on 7, Tratamenat by Pikulece, Olive Tree, The Sushi Guy, Yacht Albla: with Chef Samir Šabić, Fabrique Pub, Vutra Rakija, and Sanctuary Cocktail Bar.
Music and entertainment was provided by Tom Joseph Law, Vlade Brzović, Zoe4Lux, and Mia & Joe, with production provided by AlterTaste Production: Josip Rogošić. The DJ on deck was DJ Matthew B.
Antea Mrčela Photography, Brigita & Ivona from Knot Jewelry, and Vedran Urličić & Jana Bonačić from Artiljerija were the participating artists and designers showcasing their work.
There was also a charity auction organized with donations from local businesses including WIP, Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar, Artičok, Break Time Nautical, Fabrique Pub, Knot Jewelry, Fensi Šmensi Pub, Artiljerija: Vedran Urličić & Jana Bonačić, Laurum, Inspired Croatia, Odrzivo, Here be dragons, and Optika Anda. All money raised will go to the sports program for the ‘ženska doma’ as part of the ‘Dom za odgoj djece i mladeži Split’ organization.
“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the whole experience – we may have created the concept, but this event was only possible thanks to everyone involved. From the restaurants, to businesses, musicians, creatives… everyone instantly understood the concept and was willing to jump on board and help out,” said Peričić and Skifić.
“As foreigners living here, we are always asked – ‘how do we find the mentality?’ And honestly; yes, we are aware of a negative mentality in some – but this exists everywhere in the world! We would rather focus on the positive, because we believe there are so many amazing people in the city and from doing this event, it is evident that a new mentality is arising – a mentality that understands collaboration and working together is the only way forward.”
What a truly incredible event it was, and a big thank you to everyone involved. Total Split was lucky to have been a part of it – and we can’t wait for the next!
All photos by: Antea Mrčela Photography
