About

Croatian Association of Visual Artists (HDLU) is nongovernmental, non-for-profit and politically neutral union of professionals. Its membership consists exclusively of visual artists of all generations, working in all forms of expression and disciplines. The Association was established in 1868 and since then it was continuously active, though under the different names. The basic aims of the Association are: to support and encourage contemporary visual expression, to improve and protect the freedom of visual expression, to organise exhibitions, to collaborate in preparations of the laws and rules regulating visual arts production and social rights of the artists.

HDLU annually organizes or collaborates in organization of approximately 40 exhibitions in four diversely profiled galleries. Exhibition program covers all segments of art presentation and production, ranging from large national and international manifestations to the projects concerning new media pursuing experimentation.

The exhibitions are followed by lecturing programs, workshops and presentations. Exhibition programs are flexible and our exhibition spaces are often used for the presentation of the variety of artistic disciplines ranging from dance to the music and theatre productions. 

HDLU seat is famous Meštrović Pavilion located on one of the most beautiful squares of central downtown area of Zagreb. It consists of three exhibition spaces: Ring Gallery, Barrel Gallery, and Extended Media Gallery. Karas Gallery, the forth of HDLU’s exhibition spaces, is located in Praska Street by the Square of Republic, Zagreb’s central square.

Mission

HDLU promotes development of the visual culture by taking care of the social and financial status of its members, encouraging artistic creativity and excellence, conceiving and promoting dynamic exhibition program and international cultural exchange.

Vision

HDLU is striving to become highly specialized and commendable union of professionals establishing contemporary essentials of rights and existence for its members, and conceptual and organizational standards of the visual arts presentation for the Republic of Croatia within reconstructed Meštrović Pavilion.

Values

quality, candor, diversity