Aleksandra Brankovic, Founder, Cultural Centre Taraba
In the heart of the desert, where the Sun kisses the sand, and the shimmering skyline overlooks the tall towers, Dubai shines bright as an epitome of cultural richness. It is the land where the pulse of a thousand cultures beats in harmony, and the spirit of inclusivity weaves a tapestry of understanding and celebration. At the center of this cultural mosaic stands the Cultural Centre Taraba, where tradition is not merely upheld but cherished. Taraba aims to bridge and connect cultures, and what is a better way to start than to start from yourself? The founder of CC Taraba is originally from Serbia, and she wanted to start this cultural legacy by cherishing and preserving the Serbian traditions that are woven into the fabric of UAE society, creating connections that transcend borders and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
Aleksandra Brankovic, at the helm of Taraba, stands as a witness to this vibrant cultural blend, instrumental in connecting the two diverse worlds on a single platform. The President and Founder of Taraba, Aleksandra, has been nurturing a sense of belonging, a feeling of home away from home for the Serbian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this melting pot of identities, Aleksandra’s passion and dedication have transformed Taraba into a beacon of heritage and creativity. A hub for artistic expression, intellectual discourse, and the preservation of tradition, Taraba embodies the spirit of Serbian identity and aims to empower others through cultural exchange.
A Visionary’s Genesis
Every journey begins with a spark, a moment of inspiration that ignites the flames of ambition. For Aleksandra Brankovic, that moment came while completing her doctoral thesis, leading her to a profound exploration of tolerance in multicultural societies. Armed with knowledge and driven by her love for people, Aleksandra embarked on a mission to establish a cultural haven that would bring not only the Serbian culture on a global platform while promoting a sense of inclusivity and cultural harmony but also the importance of coexistence of multicultural societies. Thus, the Cultural Center Taraba seeds were sown in 2019 and finally started its operation in 2022.
From its humble beginning as a center for cultural interactions, Taraba has blossomed into a thriving cultural hub, thanks to Aleksandra’s vision and leadership. Under her guidance, the center has expanded its programming to include art exhibitions, music concerts, literary events, and educational workshops, attracting both Serbian expatriates and local community members.
“I was inspired to establish a cultural center as a platform for bringing awareness about the importance of culture in diverse and inclusive society and economic growth,” Aleksandra shares, her voice resonating with confidence.
Navigating the Uncharted Waters
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is taking center stage, economic diplomacy is shaping the business landscape, and technology permeates every sector, it becomes challenging to make people aware of the significance of cultural interactions and the role of cultural centers as vital meeting grounds where diverse values converge. For Aleksandra, raising awareness about the importance of cultural communities proved to be a daunting task. “Cultural centers are not very common in business today,” she acknowledges. However, a woman driven by indomitable grit and gumption, she endured every challenge head-on with unwavering determination.
Armed with a strong belief in human cognizance and creativity, Aleksandra always resorts to the power of human intelligence over artificial intelligence. She emphasizes, “None of the advancements in AI or economic diplomacy would exist without people, history, or creative thinking.” It is this profound understanding of the human element that drives her mission to contribute to creating an inclusive society where diversity may be cherished. Through her mission, Aleksandra seeks not only to celebrate human connections but to actively foster them, recognizing their profound significance in shaping a harmonious and empathetic world.
Leadership Rooted in Trust and Respect
At the heart of Taraba lies a deep sense of community fostered by Aleksandra’s warmth and generosity of spirit. Whether she’s welcoming guests to a cultural event, mentoring young artists, or collaborating with local organizations, she approaches every interaction with kindness and sincerity, earning the respect and admiration of everyone she comes across.
As a leader, Aleksandra embodies the values of trust, respect, and positivity. By focusing on people and empowering her team, she cultivates a culture of inclusivity and innovation. “By evaluating their expertise and acknowledging their contribution, we create a culture of inclusivity and innovation,” she explains. This people-centric approach not only promotes a healthy work environment but also fuels creativity and collaboration.
Aleksandra’s positive attitude and belief in the potential of her team inspire resilience in the face of challenges. “Maintaining a positive ‘can-do’ attitude is crucial,” she affirms. This unwavering optimism propels her team forward, even in the most turbulent period.
A Trailblazer in Cultural Diplomacy
Aleksandra’s impact extends far beyond the walls of Taraba. Through her work, she has forged connections between Serbian expatriates and the wider UAE community, fostering understanding and appreciation across cultural boundaries. “Cultural diplomacy stands as a pivotal facet of public diplomacy and soft power, facilitating the seamless exchange of ideas, information, art, language, and various cultural elements among nations,” Aleksandra shares, her eyes brimming with conviction.
In acknowledgment of her relentless contribution to the cultural spectrum, Aleksandra has been hailed as a cultural ambassador and a driving force for positive change in the region. The recognition bestowed upon Taraba by esteemed institutions such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and KHDA licensed training center, and the Golden Visa Award received by the company as a distinguished cultural content creator in the creative field, serve as testaments to the leader’s commitment to excellence. “Being certified by KHDA and a member of DCC gives us credibility in the eyes of our audience and collaborators,” she acknowledges. This recognition not only validates Taraba’s mission but also opens doors to new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Envisioning a Cultural Legacy
Building a legacy in the cultural and art business demands a combination of creativity, authenticity, and strategic vision. As the architect of the Cultural Center Taraba, Aleksandra foresees a legacy steeped in cultural richness and artistic innovation. With six sections dedicated to culture, art, events, education, tolerance, and business, she seeks to cultivate a holistic environment where creativity thrives and diversity flourishes through different projects, collaborations, and activities.
From showcasing renowned artists to championing sustainable practices, Aleksandra’s vision transcends boundaries, weaving a tapestry of cultural fusion that resonates with audiences far and wide. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a passion for inclusivity, she is poised to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the UAE and beyond.
Empowering the Genext Entrepreneurs
As a trailblazer in the cultural industry, Aleksandra’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. Her advice serves as a model for self-growth and enlightenment. Her wisdom rooted in practicability, urges us not to sink in commonalities and prioritize authenticity in our pursuit of dreams. According to the entrepreneur, it is our penchant for life-long learning that keeps us ahead of time and gives us the strength to battle out negativities. She advises, “Do not give up in the beginning just because your business model is not so common. Do not be afraid to knock on doors and seek guidance and support for your idea and, eventually, the establishment of your company.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the cultural domain, she insists on aligning passion with purpose, “Understand your niche, identify unique value propositions and target audiences. Be creative while embracing strategic planning, ensuring sustainability and scalability.”
In a world where borders are becoming increasingly blurred, Aleksandra Brankovic stands as a beacon of hope—a champion of cultural diplomacy and artistic innovation. Through Taraba, she fosters a global community united by a shared appreciation for culture and creativity.
As she aptly puts it, “Culture and tolerance are the job of all of us.” And with leaders like Aleksandra leading the way, the future of cultural exchange shines brighter than ever before.