Croatian community in Tacoma sparks collaboration with city of Split

by croatiaweek
October 13, 2023
in News

Croatian community in Tacoma sparks cultural collaboration with city of Split

(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

In the American city of Tacoma, located on the northern Pacific in the state of Washington, there is a Croatian community whose members are largely of Hvar Island descent.

They gather at the Croatian society “Slavonian Hall,” established in 1901. The city is the size of Split, a significant freight and fishing port from where, for over a century, people have set off for salmon fishing in Alaska.

On behalf of the Committee for Sister Cities, President Clare Petrich from Tacoma reached out to Branka Bezić Filipović for assistance in connecting the cities.

Mayor Ivica Puljak of Split accepted the idea on the condition that some projects be initiated. Branka Bezić Filipović and Clare Petrich held a series of meetings in Tacoma and Split, mostly focused on culture and education. Collaboration was arranged with the Split Croatian National Theatre and the local opera. This year, the 22nd Sister City Festival in Tacoma will open with the Croatian film “Opera Selecta,” produced and written by Lana Pavić.

(Photo: Branka Bezic Filipovic)

Discussions were held with the director of the Archaeological Museum in Split, Ante Jurčević, and Mrs. Petrich extended an invitation to showcase the exhibition “Croatians United by the Tie” at the “Suzzallo Library” of the University of Washington, named after Henry Zucalo from the Dubrovnik area.

(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Regarding education, there are significant opportunities, from connecting primary schools to high schools and universities. Some discussions have already taken place with Patricia Irwin, the director for international cooperation at Tacoma high schools, who wants to acquaint students with the possibilities of studying in Split. The Maritime Faculty of Split has shown considerable interest.

Tacoma has acquired a school ship for student training, and the Sister City Committee in Tacoma is willing to connect them with other sister cities with maritime traditions in Mexico and Norway.

(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

Tacoma is interested in renewable energy, an area in which the University of Split’s Mechanical Engineering Department is involved, and they are ready for collaboration. Furthermore, there is an interest in Croatian gastronomy, in which Aspira University will gladly participate. Ms. Petrich visited Split and brought an invitation letter for cooperation from her mayor, Victoria Woodards, which was co-signed by the mayor of Split.

(Photo: Branka Bezić Filipović)

She also delivered a letter to the Split artist Nives Čičin Šain, inviting her to hold an exhibition and workshops at the Seaport Museum next year. Similarly, a letter from Dr. Joel Baker from the University of Washington in Tacoma invited collaboration with the academic community in Split.