The celebration of ACEC’s 27th anniversary reflected the values on which the organisation has stood since its foundation – culture, dialogue, cooperation and human dignity. The opening of With Hope VII., a solo exhibition by painter and sculptor Miloš Rác, created a space where partners, supporters and friends of the organisation could come together, demonstrating once again that art has the power to connect people across different communities and backgrounds.
“When we began 27 years ago, all we had was determination and the conviction that culture and communication are not a luxury. We believed they are the foundation of society and that dignity is not a privilege, but a right belonging to every human being.”
With these words, Ľubomíra Slušná Franz, Founder and President of the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC), opened an evening marking the organisation’s 27th anniversary. The celebration was accompanied by the opening of With Hope VII., a solo exhibition by painter and sculptor Miloš Rác.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava welcomed representatives of the diplomatic corps, the business sector, the cultural community, public life, civil society, as well as long-standing partners of ACEC and the Roma Spirit project. The diverse audience and the exceptional atmosphere confirmed that art has the unique ability to bring together people from different backgrounds.
The choice of Miloš Rác was no coincidence. For several years, his work has been closely associated with the Roma Spirit project, becoming a symbol of people whose dedication is helping to make Slovakia a better and more inclusive place.
Miloš Rác is one of the leading figures of contemporary Romani visual art in Slovakia. A painter and sculptor from Považská Bystrica, his work encompasses expressive painting and small-scale sculpture. His paintings are created spontaneously, inspired by emotion, imagination and the mood of the moment. They are characterised by vibrant colours and an abstract artistic style, while his sculptural work consists of stylised clay and bronze pieces.
“My paintings emerge from imagination, impulse, emotion and the desire to transfer my thoughts onto the canvas. When you create from the heart and with love, people can truly feel it,” said Miloš Rác during the exhibition opening.
Since 2024, Miloš Rác has been the creator of the Roma Spirit Award sculpture, presented annually to outstanding individuals, teams and organisations for their contribution to building an open, fair and inclusive society. In 2016, he also became the very first recipient of the Roma Spirit Award in the Culture category.
During the opening, he also explained the symbolism behind the Roma Spirit Award sculpture.
“When I designed the sculpture for the Roma Spirit Award, I wanted it to tell a story. The figures are all different – some are taller, others shorter; each has its own colour and character. Yet together they form a single whole. What unites them are dreams, symbolically depicted on the base. We all pursue those dreams with hope. That is where the title of my solo exhibition, With Hope, comes from,” explained Miloš Rác, creator of the Roma Spirit Award sculpture and the exhibiting artist.
The exhibition was organised in cooperation with the DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava, a long-standing partner of the Roma Spirit project that has consistently provided a platform for cultural initiatives and projects with positive social impact.
“We believe a hotel should be more than just a place to stay – it should also be a space for culture, meaningful encounters and inspiring stories. We are delighted to present the work of the outstanding Slovak artist Miloš Rác to both our guests and the wider public,” said Jakub Majcin, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava.
The evening culminated in the ceremonial opening of the exhibition with a joint toast by Ľubomíra Slušná Franz, Founder and President of ACEC, Jakub Majcin, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava, Magdaléna Rothová, Director of ACEC, and the exhibiting artist Miloš Rác.
The event also served as an expression of gratitude to all the partners, supporters and friends who have been part of ACEC’s journey for the past 27 years. Since its establishment in 1999, ACEC has connected people through cultural, educational and social initiatives, fostered dialogue and highlighted inspiring examples of cooperation. Among its flagship projects is the Roma Spirit Award, which will be presented for the eighteenth time this year.
The evening also served as a reminder that the values on which ACEC was founded 27 years ago remain just as relevant today, and that partnerships, trust and culture continue to create space for positive social change.
With Hope VII. is open to the public until 31 August 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava during the hotel’s opening hours. All paintings and sculptures on display are available for purchase.
