Independent home deco shop based in Bucharest. The creators behind this brand are two UNARTE graduates who started this business during the pandemic. Their products are sustainable and handmade, trying to combine both aesthetics and utility. Their colorful style could fit into maximalism, defined by the aesthetic and tendency toward excess, but in a joyful manner. Product features include playful patterns, bold colors, busy spaces, human emotions visually transposed, and quirky elements.

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Robert Antoniac (b.1997) , formerly known in the social media field as Tim Dugan, is a Bucharest- based multidisciplinary artist, an alumnus of the Photography and Time Based Art programme at the National University of Arts, Bucharest. Antoniac's artistic practice grows in the liminal space of fashion styling and photography, expanding into the realms of experimental and glossy. His work has been exhibited at The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Bucharest, Mobius Gallery, Switch Lab, Rezidenta BRD Scena9 and commissioned (both as stylist and as a photographer) by publications such as This is Badland, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Elle, The Future of etc.

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Veronica Nojac is a stylist and creative director based in Bucharest since 2017. She is an honours alumni of Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Veronica is a former fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar edition, and currently a freelance stylist for local and international fashion publications, such as Glamour or Elle. Her costume design work spans from theatre to commercial work. Among some of her commercial clients are L'Occitane, Guerlain, Samsung, Zalando, Mercedes Benz. Her experience in the fashion industry cultivated a unique and up to date style. Her passions are storytelling and the liminal space between classy and the uncanny.

Mihaela Cîrjan and Lea Rasovszky, the founders of Matka, believe that culture-mediated education has a strong impact on the long run, generating open, free mindsets, as well as creative, socially-aware individuals.

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A newly opened alternative creative space founded by a group of young artists. The place functions as a studio for screen-print, painting, design, photography and other artistic activities. They often organize workshops, ad-hoc photoshoots, parties and even occasional exhibitions of personal projects.

Pe Stop is an ONG committed to providing access to menstrual care products to vulnerable girls and women in Romania, as well as facilitating access to proper information on how to manage one’s menstruation safe, with no stigma. The team distributes menstrual care packages, organizes free health classes, and supports communities who want to join them. They tackle period poverty, an insidious and often overlooked component of poverty in Romania.

A newly opened alternative creative space founded by a group of young artists. The place functions as a studio for screen-print, painting, design, photography and a lot more artistic activities. They often organise workshops, ad-hoc photoshoots, parties and even occasional showrooms for their personal projects.

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@terapiepentruzoomeri is an online project created by psychotherapist Denisa-Maria Petriș, designed as a space for gentle and playful exploration of queer, feminist, anti-capitalist, politically conscious, and community-based psychotherapy. Rooted in Denisa’s experience working primarily with Gen Zers—and shaped by her personal interests and political values—terapiepentruzoomeri is, in a way, both a playground and a manifesto. Denisa is also part of Cooperativa Terapeutică, a Cluj-based non-hierarchical collective of therapists committed to non-exploitative practices, inclusivity, and collective care.

Lil' Paris is Burning — a vibrant celebration of queer culture, where expressiveness and competition come together in a spectacle of identity. The winners of each category claim their prize and fame on a stage that redefines the art of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Adelina Petcan is the creative mind behind HUMAN APJ, a jewelry brand based in Bucharest. The brand revolves around the symbol of the minimized human silhouette, drawing inspiration from the nuances of everyday life. Her meticulous designs are handcrafted in a small workshop, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The 'Naturalia' collection, unveiled in 2023 at Grotto gallery, delves into the significance of time and humanity's relationship with nature.

Photographer and musician, passionate about theatrical arts and the relationship between the three. One of his editorial projects, Age is a Wrinkle, focuses on a series of intimate portraits of Bucharest's elderly community. Glamour, humor, vulnerability, and fashion all come together in the series of photographs in order to resist and challenge our preconceptions of elderly people. For Nikita, it is paramount to depict his characters as multifaceted individuals.

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Călin Alexandru Hasnaș is a Romanian artist based in Bucharest. He explores alternative r&b and rap. Having shared his first works on YouTube from a young age with the series called: "YouTube Police’’, he combined constructive criticism with humor and irony, classifying it as a pamphlet.

In 2021 Călin released the highly anticipated album: "Women Drink Trouble". It shaped his sound considerably, the album having a massive breakthrough on streaming services.

On January 30, 2022, the next album, "Someday We'll Be Alright", was announced and was released on November 25, 2022, with uncredited features.

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Theodor, a filmmaker from Iași now based in Bucharest, stands out through his bold storytelling. He tackles crucial topics like violence while aiming to explore supernatural themes in the future. His recognition at festivals like Sarajevo Film Festival and TIFF, plus winning the 'Ovidiu Bose Paștină' award, highlight his emerging talent. His latest film, 'My sister and I,' was awarded with the Best Short Film Award at the 2023 Gopo Awards, establishing his talent for captivating storytelling.

An event platform that aims to support and promote women in the music industry. They provide accessible means for anyone who wants to work in this field but never had the courage or the chance to do it. Within this event platform, they produce diverse multidisciplinary projects, including interviews featuring female artists and DJs, as well as hosting their podcast Outlook.

TLTXT is a platform dedicated to the Romanian pop culture scene, founded by Paul Breazu, Dinu Guțu, Costi Rogozanu, Ciprian State, and Marina Oprea. Their approach is to be popular, but not populistic, propagandistic, intellectual, or academic; they aim to question the status quo. They tackle on popular topics, but from a analytical point of view. Their modus operandi is understanding the present by looking at past events, putting new meaning and giving context to pop culture.

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An editorial platform promoting young writers, where people can explore creative writing through poetry. Additionally, Note de subsol puts together regular events both online and offline where young poets put themselves out there.

Their goal is to provide a safe space for literature enthusiasts, offering inspiration and fostering an environment where self-expression and experimental writing have a platform.

An international transdisciplinary art and ecology program based in the balneo-climateric resort of Slanic-Moldova.

Since 2017, In Context functions as a learning lab, facilitating experiences based on investigation, research, interaction and cooperation designed to encourage participants to think for themselves, to understand the complexity of the global world, and to act in solidarity with the nature and future generations. By building a culture of experimentation and collaboration, the program inspires lifelong learning, critical thinking, curiosity, community, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Contemporary art, experimental music, Eco- Responsabile design and education are being used here as tools for creating a living future.

Independent-specialised publishing house based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, founded by Alex Ciorogar. The editorial team focuses on: contemporary poetry, fiction, philosophy, and literary theory. The works published so far focus on: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Open to any form of experimentation and innovation, casual yet luxurious, not too mainstream or too underground, the team hopes their books will shape the cultural life of our society by engaging in international conversations.

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Documentary photographer (b. 2001) based in Bucharest. With a background in Cinematography, Toma has a deep interest in the relationship between light and image creation. He frequently works with 35mm black-and-white film to convey the surreal elements he observes in everyday life. He initially focused on capturing local underground communities and movements, with which he feels a strong personal connection. Today, his narratives are shaped by his personal experiences and relationships with his subjects, blending factual reality with imaginative, meta-truths. Through this approach, Toma explores themes such as human perception, fear, anxiety, ephemerality, and the construction of memory.

His work has been exhibited both individually and ingroup shows, in Romania and internationally. Toma has also participated in multiple mentorship programs, including the most recent with Annie Leibovitzand IKEA.

Co-founded by Golden Bear winning director Adina Pintilie in 2010, Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival promotes innovative audio visual works and bold artistic visions that push the boundaries of cinematic language. Focused on total creative freedom, the festival features three main competitions: international and national short films, and international feature films, each showcasing thought-provoking themes reflecting contemporary realities. BIEFF’s program also includes collaborations with prestigious festivals, Q&A sessions, panels, and masterclasses to encourage dialogue between filmmaker sand audiences. Recognized internationally, the festival is a member of The Short Film Conference Network and of The European Network for Film Discourse (END).

Zidrept is an online platform dedicated to providing educational legal content and insights on various social issues. Founded by Claudia, a lawyer based in Cluj-Napoca, the platform seeks to simplify complex legal concepts, making them accessible to everyone and fostering a well-informed community. Through engaging posts and discussions, Zidrept empowers individuals with knowledge of their rights and societal issues, making the law more relatable and applicable to everyday life. In addition to legal education, Zidrept serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of legal matters, offering tailored insights and guidance to meet individual needs.

Innovative wine glass, designed for out door use which combines the elegant with the practical.

It can be pinned in the ground so that you can stop worrying about spilling the wine at the first wind blow.

The person behind this idea is Ramona Enache-Lorenz, young architect and sommelière, with passion for wine and the great outdoors.

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The first independent audio theatre in Romania created by Alexandru Ivănoiu, Ilinca Prisăcariu and Laura Fluture.

The difference between conventional and audio theatre is that audio theatre stimulates the audience's mind through storytelling. Since 2020, Teatrul Improbabil produces original shows based on scripts that are perfectly tailored for audio experiences. Every production is an immersive, intimate and powerful journey for the listener.

The creators of the shows are young playwrights, directors, sound designers and composers who bring a new spirit to what was once known as radio theatre.

After a repertoire of exclusively Romanian productions, 2024marks Teatrul Improbabil’s first English-language shows: Mea Maxima Culpa(written by Alexandru Ivănoiu, co-directed by Ilinca Prisăcariu and LauraFluture) and As long as I'm not here (written by Liuba Ilnytska, directed byAndreea Lucaci). All shows are available for streaming on Spotify by searchingfor Teatrul Improbabil or IOTA Association.

Laur Răboj is a seasoned creative profesional with over 17 years of experience in advertising agencies. His passion lies in simplifying complex concepts, which he achieves through his doodle art. Using his phone, Laur creates minimalist drawings that offer witty observations on everyday life. His work ranges from classic satire to minimalist depictions, reflecting a quest for simplicity and humor in an increasingly complex world. Laur shares these insights on his Instagram account, where he describes his creations as "drawings based on stupid little facts of life."

Teenage magazine, created as an alternative to mainstream media, focusing on the urban landscape.

The editorial team consists of high school students. It all started with an open call on Facebook which brought together 6 unknown quirky people.

Two editions after it all started, 30 people from different cities collaborate in order to change the world.

The result is a highly intimate and accurate depiction of the teenage universe, with its adventures, failures and ways of interaction.

Alexandra Statache aka YCS is a social activist and music artist capable of going from new club styles; ballroom, jersey club , reggaeton to breakbeats, experimental and house in one seamless DJ set that you can often go and enjoy at local clubs and queer events.

Respecting and studying the cultural aspects of the music genres they play, is important for her to keep the music alive and true.

YCS is a refreshing presence for the local electronic music scene as their selections explore club politics in relation to queerness, dance and futurism. They currently play at venues like Club Control, Platforma Wolff and Filaret 16 or you can listen to YCS’s mixes on Black Rhino Radio, LYL Radio and Electronic Beats.

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A literature graduate working between Bucharest, Oradea, and Amsterdam, Ruxandra’s favourite occupation is book vlogging. Her social media username 4fara15 refers to a poem written by Virgil Mazilescu. She loves talking about books, the importance of libraries, diverse literature, and poetry. Since 2023, she is inviting her followers to discover the world through literature, reading one book from every country (197). 

Apart from her Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube videos, she also engages with her community through online book clubs and reading challenges, inviting her followers to diversify their reading lists. Her goal is to make books a water-cooler moment, something discussed in the ‘here and now’ amongst the Romanian public.

She is currently completing an internship at the European Cultural Foundation in Amsterdam as part of The Europe Challenge, a program dedicated to libraries across Europe.

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This modern 450-square-meter space embodies a minimalist, industrial aesthetic that combines sleek design with spacious functionality, making it ideal for hosting a variety of artistic and cultural activities. Beyond exhibitions, this space is envisioned as a vibrant cultural hub for artist talks, interdisciplinary events, and experimental
research labs. The open layout fosters engagement and interaction, providing a platform for artists, technologists, and thought leaders to collaborate and exchange ideas. It is not only a venue for viewing art but a place for active creation and innovation, where participants can delve into contemporary issues at the intersection of art, technology, and society. This approach reflects a commitment to fostering dialogue and experimentation in an environment designed to inspire.

Film festival showcasing shorts made by teenagers. Super came to life as a safe space where teenagers can introduce their work and meet other film

aficionados. The festival also covers a medium of artistic expression rarely approached by traditional Romanian high schools aiming to inspire and stimulate teenagers in their cinematography endeavour.

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A young motion graphics artist. His style is a blend between 3D shoegaze and vaporwave art reminiscent of lo-fi internet days. With both commercial and artistic work in his portfolio, Cuscrew is a well-versed visual artist who knows how to use the latest technology to create 3D CGI art, intricate video mapping on huge buildings or interactive media installations at festivals and exhibitions.

Theatre group created by Zita Moldovan and Mihaela Drăgan. Giuvlipen, meaning feminism in Romani, is the first local independent feminist Roma theatre. Their art is dubbed by Reuters Agency as “the avantgarde of Roma revolution”, a form of empowerment in response to centuries of oppression.

Activism and art in a thought provoking dynamic, hoping to rise paramount questions about a failing system.

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A fashion designer and multidisciplinary artist based in Bucharest who graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2020. She stands out through her style inspired by her post-communist youth and Romanian kitsch, resulting in elaborate avant-garde designs infused with fantastical elements. Her graduation collection, 'Romanian Camouflage', was renowned for her innovative lace-making technique crafted from discarded electrical wires, repurposed charity shop beach towels and surplus fabrics from Romanian factories.

Through her work, she aims to raise awareness about electronic waste and sustainability.

Illustrator and graphic designer based in Bucharest.

Her works take many forms: static or animatic, digital or analog, to flat or 3D. Among the stylistic particularities, one can mention her preference for vibrant, saturated colors, fluid lines, and organic shapes.

She finds inspiration in nature, in spontaneous children drawings and chaotic day-to-day happenings.

She is also passionate about photography and also worked in the advertising industry. Previous commissioned work includes publications and brands such as: DoR, Școala 9, Samsung, Wacom, ING Romania, Cărturești, etc.

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A project of the Forum Apulum association, created in 2020 as a means to listen to and support the new generations in telling their own stories. At the beginning, the project involved guiding young individuals who wanted to express themselves through writing, illustration, or photography. Over the course of the project, more than 20 mentors and over 100 selected young individuals have been involved in the team. Currently, the magazine shares stories, reviews, and opinions of young people on the website and social media channels, reaching an increasing number of people alongside its fellow project, "Gen, știri".

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Călin Boto is a film critic and curator based in Bucharest. He contributes to various publications, including Filmexplorer (Switzerland), FILM, and Films in Frame (Romania), and serves as an associate curator for BIEFF. He is a member of FIPRESCI and an alumnus of several writing and history workshops organized by film festivals, including those in Sarajevo, Warsaw, Locarno, Trieste, and Pordenone. He has curated screening series at the Romanian Cinematheque and organized retrospectives on diverse themes such as experimental cinema, queer cinema, and silent cinema. In 2024, he curated the first Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in Bucharest. Holding an MA in film piracy from UNATC, Călin has been working at the Romanian Filmmakers’ Union since 2020.

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The artist-run space of Irina Dumitrașcu Măgurean, a Cluj-based visual artist. The studio promotes emerging visual artists, with a particular focus on photography, installation art, and new media.

It is a space with an intimate atmosphere where creativity and depth intersect.

F-SIDES Cineclub presents films created by women andnon-binary individuals, supports gender equality and film education forteenagers in areas of the country that need more cultural activities, andinitiates dialogues on feminist themes through cinema.

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Zlavog, AKA Alex Zlavog, AKA @efectiveu is a Bucharest based streamer, co-creator of Team Prieteni ensemble.

Alex tackles in his streams various topics: gaming, the status quo or reacting to local internet fun. He has reached top 3 most watched Twitch streamers in Romania.

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Aldessa is an activist at the forefront of the Roma feminist movement with expertise in social advocacy. She has been with E-Romnja since 2013, currently coordinating the Sisterhood mentorship program and closely working with Roma youth groups from Mizil, Giurgiu and Valea Seacă. Through her activism, she aims to create safe intersectional feminist spaces for Roma girls and women, allowing them to freely express their ideas and opinions.

In 2017, she also branched out and started playing music in well-known Bucharest-based venues such as Apollo111, Manasia and ArtHub as a response to the lack of Roma DJs within the local music scene. Her DJing is reflective of her intersectional practice as an activist since Aldessa exclusively plays manele focused on female empowerment which she refers to as feminist manele.

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Bogdan Balla is a film director and editor based in Bucharest, Romania. He studied Film Directing at National University of Theatre and Film Bucharest and graduated in 2020. In 2022 he completed his Master’s in Directing at the same university. His school films, Notes on Hiding, Bounds, I Had Been Sleepwalking When I Saw All Those Colors, Empire State Streaming (for which he signs the editing) have been screened at festivals like Moldova Film Festival, Alternative Film / Video, ART200, BIEFF, Les Films des Cannes à Bucarest. He directed the performance With Every Touch We Will Be Reborn after a text by Mihaela Michailov. He was part of many workshops and cinema trainings, like fARAD Documentary Development Lab, One World Romania – UNHCR Doc Lab and the 2021-2022 Political Theater Season as an assistant director. His hybrid experimental short film I Had Been Sleepwalking When I Saw All Those Colors won Best Romanian Film at the 2021 edition of Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival and Special Jury Mention at the 2022 edition of Bucharest International Dance Film Festival.

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Sasha is a visual artist based in Glasgow, born in Moscow and raised in Bucharest. Soon to graduate from the prestigious Glasgow School of Art, her work reflects the multicultural milieu she comes from. She uses both analogue and digital techniques such as collography, letterpress, screen print and Adobe Suite. Sasha is passionate about comics, Eastern European and Soviet aesthetics and the exploration of feminist and queer ideas through illustrations. She collaborated and created artwork for various publications and initiatives such as Frowning Mag, Plic, o revista, Seneca Publishing, DOR, Dilema Veche, Ideo Ideis and SUB25.

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Anca Bârjovanu (b. 1998, Romania) is a multidisciplinary artist based in The Hague, Netherlands. Her work encompasses drawing, sculpture, painting, and jewelry design. Currently, she focuses on fine metals and maintains an active studio practice. Anca works as the Lead Polisher and is training as a goldsmith at Tiffany & Co. She is also involved with the local artist collective ‘See Lab’, where she manages communications and co-founded Milk&Cereals, a platform supporting emerging artists through events and exhibitions. Anca's work has appeared in various exhibitions, including "Every moment a junction" at Nest, NL, and "In Transit" at Munich Jewellery Week 2023, GER. She hosted her first solo show "Soft like Heaven/Hard as Hell" in 2019 at Cazul101, Bucharest.

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An artistic and editorial collective based in Bucharest, founded in 2021. Their practice revolves around speculation as a crucial method for rethinking contemporary discourses, blending rationality with fiction, science with imagination, and knowledge with emotion.

Specula embraces effort, error, and vulnerability, presenting unfinished works, rational theories reimagined into compassionate forms, impossible depictions of the world, future fiction, and invented languages. Over the past three years, they have organized events such as installations, unconventional readings, and culinary interventions, fostering dialogue between members' contributions and the collective imagination of public spaces. Members include: Irina Bobei, Daniela Custrin, Matei Dumitriu, Mircea Andrei Florea and Ioana Gemănar.

Music artist and co-founder of Seventhirtyone, a unisex clothing brand started off in Bucharest. Big on vintage apparel himself, Tugay reimagines iconic elements in a deeply personal manner in his vibrant collections.

He is also the co-founder of the duo Alex și Tugay & Tugay și Alex. Notable music collaborations include Azteca, Băieți Cuminți, Nane, Ian and Lino Golden. He is also one of the hosts of the Rush Hour Show alongside Alex Bittman and Beni.

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A multidisciplinary creative juggling between photography, videography, music production and design. He is merging all his skills under the umbrella of more co-founded projects like Millennial Studio (fashion and graphic design studio), Goodbuy Gallery (art gallery) and Moxa 20 Studio (unconventional multi media art studio) together with his closest friends. Being inspired by skateboarding culture and various underground scenes, Sebastian’s past works showcased a raw perspective of the world around him with a twist of irony and a splash of cuteness.

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The first Environmental Film Festival for children and young people in Brașov. Culmea sets out to create an educational platform that fosters dialogue during this climate crisis, using film as both a tool and a gateway to the world. Their aim is to shape a community and create support systems (families, friends) that enhance awareness about the climate crisis, and provide access to resources necessary for leading a responsible and sustainable life.

The first online platform in Romania founded and led by women, dedicated to fostering a future for physically and mentally healthy children and youth. With a decade of expertise in sexual education, gender equality, and reproductive health, their efforts extend from supporting teenagers facing difficult situations to empowering teachers in their advocacy for sexual education in schools. The platform addresses the consequences of misinformation by offering online psychological counseling to youth in need. It actively works towards a better future, monitoring and advocating for legislative initiatives and reforms that will shape a society free from discrimination, sexual abuse, and inequality.

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Fashion photographer and content creator. Christian has been featured in Vogue Italy when he was only 16 years old and has not stopped creating since then. His editorials are distinctive and entrancing as he manages to capture and display garments and subjects in an almost seductive, yet candid manner. Christian’s technique exudes the type of experimentalism fashion photography requires in order to be innovative. He is commissioned and featured by numerous brands, magazines and designers such as Glamour, Elle, Entrance Store, Lana Dumitru, Acne Studios, Harper’s Bazaar, Kaltblut, Pas Du Tout, Swarovski, Silvia Paval and various others.

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Music producer, based in Bucharest. Alex aka Sybro started the iconic duo: Alex și Tugay & Tugay și Alex. He has been crushing it solo and together with his crew, experimenting different music genres form electronic to trap.

Representing the Bucharest underground kulture, with a devoted fan base, you can sense his deep connection to music by listening to "Fata mea când te văd așa cochetă", "Stop" or "Seara asta".

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Romania's first alternative lifestyle hub. A sex-positive space for all fetish aficionados and those exploring. This space in particular is meant to be a space of togetherness and community for all those that society would judge and exclude. Aims through its events and programs to facilitate communication, interaction, and participation of adults in social and educational activities to promote the rights and freedoms of persons belonging to communities or sexual minorities. Also the hub provides them with a platform for expression, interaction, and education that supports, cultivates and develops community spirit.

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NOVA Festival is a pioneering event in Romania that highlights surprising collaborations between art and science, driven by cutting-edge creative technologies. With a rich program of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities, NOVA fosters innovation and exploration at the intersection of disciplines.

Over its four editions, the festival has brought together more than 100 artists, researchers, and practitioners from around 20 countries. NOVA invites audiences to experience interactive, thought-provoking works that blend artistic expression with scientific discovery, promoting both personal and communal growth. Through its unique approach, NOVA has become a key hub for creative experimentation and the advancement of interdisciplinary dialogue.

Luca Florian is a visual artist born in Bucharest. In 2022 he graduated at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf with the honorary title of Meisterschüler. He has participated in group exhibitions in Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Düsseldorf. Some of his works are part of the ING Global Collection.

Luca Florian's new works rely on the strange juxtaposition of subjects, extracted from a vibrant stock of images from contemporary visual culture, from everyday reality, and one's dreams, proposing a confusing game of perception in which the unfamiliar becomes familiar and vice versa. He had solo shows exhibited at CAV Gallery, Atelier 35 and Invitro Gallery.

Claudia Moraru is a photographer exploring the feminine identity and the intersection point of the emotional and surrounding world. She combines staged photography with mundane observation, helping her create an alternative reality. The subjects depicted are most of the time anonymous, emphasizing a few details such as marks, clothes, and body language.

Her thematic and stylistic approach is playful, but also nostalgic, and opens the conversation for topics such as: loss, grief, or sexuality.

In 2023 she will graduate from The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, in photography. Her latest exhibition took place at the Institute Space, in Bucharest.

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Bucharest-based artist born in 1978. Since his early years, he cultivated an interest in contemplative aesthetics, a pursuit further enriched by his studies in philosophy, theology, and cultural anthropology. He earned a BA in philosophy and theology, an MA in fashion and costume strategies in 2013, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the National University of Arts in Bucharest.

Pălie works within an interdisciplinary framework, weaving together photography, collage, applied and theoretical meta-styling, video installations, curatorial projects, and bibliophilic design. His work and writings frequently explore themes such as reform, the exploration of the body, the dichotomy and interaction between the visible and the invisible, and the dominance of emotions.

One of the most appreciated directors of his generation. Constantly nominated for The Europe Prize for New Theatrical Realities and also for the Uniter Award for Best Director. He graduated UNATC in Bucharest - theatre direction. Since 2014 he is the artistic director of the National Theatre "Marin Sorescu". He sees theatre as a space of encounters and shared emotions. In his plays, he uses new media, technologies, mechanisms, and different themes to engage the audience in emotional experiences by connecting with each other, interacting and asking questions.

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Former student at the University of Arts in Bucharest, Mihaela studied painting only to switch canvases later. She is now a vanguard make-up artist. As a makeup artist, she shows a great sense of composition and a thing for creating surrealistic characters. Her make-up goes from classic beauty looks, to unconventional transformations.

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Ricky horror is the name of a new musical project created by Zimbru’s vocalist, Teodora Rețegan. This marks the solo debut album, a pop-punk sound emphasized by the specificity of their low and raspy voice. The music tells the stories from the perspective of a frightened kitten and also talks freely about non-romantic love, emotions, attachment and anti-capitalism.

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The first record store in Romania dedicated to electronic music. The place functions not just as a store, but also as a boiling pot for the electronic music scene, a hub for vinyl lovers and professionals. Ioana Pârlog, the creative force behind this space, has been a DJ for approximately seven years. She conceived this concept as a way to recreate a personal space for her friends, fostering a genuine connection through music within the electronic music community.

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Ioana is the animator behind @stanga_dreapta, a project she began in January 2024. Her animations vividly depict everyday scenarios through two distinct lenses: wholesome and humorous. Inspired by this sense of duality - reflected in the account’s name - her style is instantly recognizable for its playful color schemes and signature light flares, resulting in visually captivating frames.

Dedicated to portraying Romanian life, Ioana focuses on crafting relatable moments that resonate with local audiences, bringing the quirks and charm of everyday Romanian culture to life through vibrant animation.

Loteria Climatică is an art project that raises awareness about the climate crisis in fun and quirky ways. It features a series of highly produced shorts that tackle the most important aspects of climate change, from the impacts of climate change in Europe, to the real culprits of the crisis, plastic recycling and many other issues. In addition, it included an exhibition on climate change. This headlined an arcade game where visitors could learn about their carbon footprint and make global policy decisions. It also included large graphics, recyclable products and an entire wall dedicated to what you as an individual can do to make a difference.

The project was created by Alex Lungu and Liviu Bărbulescu.

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With a background in producing club music, sosu mixes styles and themes revolving around personal issues with a positive message, day to day poetics and silly stories. sometimes speaking in tongues, he is steadily building a personal universe filled with rhymes, beats and characters, describing life in a half-ironic, half-serious note. Recent endeavours include building a new community / record-label / crew oflike-minded MCs and producers called “Bine Din Prima” (literally translated “right-the-first-time”), aiming to become an alternative to the still under-developed new-school rap scene of Romania. Young-at-heart MC and producer concernedwith the lighter side of life.

Joc si Vorbe, AKA Paul&Edgar is a laid-back podcast series on games, movies, politics, hobbies and what-not. They first started as a video game podcast that quickly evolved in a multi-format Twitch series. On top of that, Edgar hosts a daily drawing show, creating funny cartoons inspired by current events.

A Bucharest-based director, already known in the commercial and video scene, whose work has been recognized at various internationally renowned advertising, film, and fashion festivals. After graduating from film school in Los Angeles, Mindru has developed his own aesthetic: his videos are emotional experiences that visually capture human moments in their humor, intimacy, or drama.

Simona Delegeanu is a singer, instrumentalist, and producer who blends the raw emotion of traditional Romanian folkloric music with the rich sounds of soul and R&B. She describes her music as "what you’d get if Maria Tănase and Billie Eilish got on stage and sang together," delivering deeply expressive performances infused with ethereal vocals, atmospheric instrumentals, and a bold artistic vision. In 2024, she captivated audiences on Vocea României, further establishing herself as one of the most intriguing voices in Romania’s evolving music scene.

Megan Dominescu is a textile artist based in Bucharest. After experimenting with weaving, sowing, fabric collaging and clothing she became invested in making tapestry. In late 2020 she collaborated with Mircea Popescu, Mișu Cojocaru and Andrei Robin Proca for a 3D animated rug, exhibited at Carusel Carturesti. Her art captures genuine and absurd concepts in both Romanian and international pop culture.

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Irina Lalciu is an artist and former gymnast from Romania with over 20 years of experience in the art of movement, spending her journey performing, choreographing, learning & teaching.

She studies Street & Club Styles by participating in authentic events and workshops, taught by pioneers/originators of the styles: Hip Hop, Breaking, Litefeet, Voguing, House, Chicago Footwork, Popping, Waacking, Locking, Dancehall.

She is a member of the International House of Elle and the Mother of the Romanian chapter.

A performance nutritionist and registered dietitian based in Qatar, dedicated to improve athletic performance and the overall well-being of the general population through evidence-based nutrition strategies and cardiometabolic testing. After earning a master’s degree in specialized nutrition from Leeds Beckett University and receiving accreditation from the British Dietetic Association (BDA), he founded Nutritik Performance, a platform designed to support individuals in making sustainable and effective nutritional changes.

Currently, he is working in professional football with Al Arabi Sports Club, applying advanced dietary strategies to enhance player performance. Beyond football, Alex has collaborated with elite swimmers, including Vlad Stancu, Robert Badea, Denis Bacalu, and Alex Constantinescu, helping them optimize their nutrition for peak performance in the pool. 

Mădălina Mihuțoiu is an illustrator born in Bucharest, currently based in the north of the Netherlands. With a BA in Illustration & Animation from the Minerva Academy in Groningen, she draws inspiration from folklore, fantasy, and her love for birds. Switching between pen, keyboard, and punch needle, she brings to life quirky, often zoomorphic characters. She explores creative coding, storytelling, and visual interaction - key elements in crafting compelling visual narratives. Her work is influenced by cartoons, her surroundings, and traditional Romanian masks used in rituals to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune the entire year. Mădălina finds peace in craftsmanship and the art of slow, deliberate creation, always striving to infuse her work with a touch of magic.

A fashion stylist and the creator of RÉCUPÉRER, a brand crafting exquisite clothing from upcycled vintage pieces and unused fabrics. With over ten years' experience in fashion styling, Silvia recreates chic and modern outfits inspired by acclaimed fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Prada on Instagram. She shares high-fashion and contemporary outfit ideas on TikTok, featuring versatile pieces that can be seamlessly incorporated into multiple looks.

Identity.Education is the first non-governmental organization in Timisoara to promote the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community through education. Their vision is based on the inclusion and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community as an integral and active part of a healthy and diverse city community. Their mission is to represent, promote and support the LGBTQIA+ community from western Romania through art, culture, education and community work. They want to become a formal representation of the community and keep organizing cultural events and artistic activities that bring the LGBTQIA+ community closer to Timisoara’s citizens.

Andreea is a content creator passionate about books. She goes beyond by tailoring book recommendations to match everyday moods, providing honest reviews, engaging in reading challenges, and crafting lists exploring complex characters and their connections to pop culture. She brings the #BookTok niche into everyday lifestyle, making it a cool and relatable experience, adding genuine value to a trend sparked by influencers in the past few years.

Alexandru Țanțu is an LGBTQ+ activist who lobbies against stereotyping HIV positive people. His mission is to bring forth and normalize topics such as the immense difficulty to access treatment when testing positive for HIV. He advocates alongside some of the most vocal organizations like Asociatia Accept, MozaiQ, Rise OUT, and Pride Romania.

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Norbert Fodor graduated Cinematography at the Faculty of Theatre and Film in Cluj-Napoca. Over the past five years, he has worked as a creative video director, crafting compelling commercial films for various clients, such as Red Bull, Medlife, OTP, Regina Maria, Ursus, Samsung, Banca Transilvania, and Telekom. Recently he’s been exploring the dynamic world of visual storytelling and started working on TV series such as 'Subteran,' the first Romanian Original Netflix series.

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Is the cultural remixer alias of Iulian Fecioru, copywriter extraordinaire. Britnic plays with everything around, but in an anthropological manner. He mix & matches pop images and ideas, traditional motives and literature in a manner that becomes relevant for the present society. He has several personal projects and often collaborates with young designer LANA.

A passionate content creator deeply invested in photography, music, sneakers, gadgets, and local food. He is mostly recognized for his outstanding concert photography style and videos that artistically capture musicians on stage. He actively engages in the sneaker lovers' community, curating exclusive content featuring guests, interviews, sneaker recommendations, and taking part in fashion editorials.

Eliza Irimie-Dincă is an artist born in 1994. After developing an avid curiosity for the visual arts at an early age, Eliza began receiving drawing and painting lessons privately, laying a solid foundation for her artistic journey.

She attended the National University of Arts Bucharest, where she majored in Fashion, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts. After several years of experimenting with fashion, creating embroidered t-shirts and traditional Romanian-style blouses she made a permanent switch to painting in 2018. Among her influences, Eliza names Matisse, Anaïs Nin, Christian Lacroix, and Eyvind Earle.

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The Romanian Society for Feminist Analyses (AnA) is an independent NGO and a pioneer in advancing feminist thought and research in Romania. AnA has shaped the feminist movement and led groundbreaking academic and community initiatives on gender-related issues, producing the country’s first studies on gender education and European integration. Over the years, AnA has published a wide range of gender-sensitive materials, including books and research reports, and currently edits an open-access international journal. The name AnA holds symbolic significance, drawing from the legend of Ana in Meșterul Manole and the dichotomy of A/non-A - representing a critique of binary thinking. This duality highlights AnA's commitment to questioning traditional frameworks and advancing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of feminism.

A feminist and interdisciplinary visual artist whose work reflects contemporary Eastern European society through the female body. Using diverse media—drawings, installations, video, and performance - she explores personal and socio-political themes by deconstructing social perceptions and recontextualizing everyday gestures, objects, and aesthetics. Used textiles, worn shoes, and false nails become part of her intimate aesthetic, embodying emotional attachment, care, and beauty - often superficially dismissed.

Her project La Chica Fake furthers this exploration by creating a safe space for people to experiment with their appearance. Asymmetric nails, visceral and whimsical forms, micro bangs, and abstract designs define this unique world, challenging beauty standards and promoting self-expression and confidence.

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Georgiana Ilie is a content creator who likes to cook simple recipes and plan her meals throughout the week. Her curated newsletter is a haven for culinary inspiration, especially for those searching meal planning. Throughout this time, she was a member of DoR's editorial team, and also managed a culinary blog. What distinguishes Georgiana's approach is her meticulous attention to detail, providing comprehensive solutions, ideas, and snack suggestions for those seeking culinary guidance every day.

Andra Mureșan is a young journalist from Romania, currently working at Scena9. She focuses on issues related to women’s rights and gender-based violence. In 2024, Andra won first prize in the Debut Category at Superscrieri for Women Who Kill for Their Lives, an investigative piece about how Romania’s judicial system treats women who kill their abusive partners after years of domestic violence. Through her work, she seeks to shed light on overlooked stories and explore the social impact of systemic injustices.

The first podcast on sex education in Romania, created by Dana Alecu and Răzvan Boltărețu. The Red Square format debates questions raised live by the audience of the podcast, together with the host and the featured guest.

This project aims to alleviate the dire need of sexual education for teenagers, voicing questions teenagers are too ashamed or timorous to ask adults face to face.

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Maria Staicu reshapes the world of pottery with her brand Kalut Ceramics, crafting unusual and dream-like pieces with unconventional shapes and unexpected colors. Through her experiments with clay, she explores how various forms, colors, and sizes can evoke a range of emotions. Her pieces stand out because they are quirky and bring a sense of oddity while intriguingly drawing you closer.

Ana Crăciun Lambru is a renowned theatre director and master puppeteer from Romania. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Puppetry from the I.L. Caragiale Academy of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography in Bucharest. In 2016, she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut, supported by a Fulbright Scholarship. After returning to Romania in 2016, Ana continued her career as a freelance artist and founded Free Puppet Theatre, an independent company. Since then, she has directed over 15 puppet theatre productions in both state and independent theatres across the country. Currently, Ana focuses on developing projects aimed at helping children stay connected to their authentic selves while guiding adults to reconnect with their inner child.

Self-described as a genderfluid drag queen whose name is inspired by Frida Kahlo. Vergine has an extensive background in arts. Currently contributing to magazines such as ELLE and KALTBULT. Origin story: after middle-school Vergine discovered the magic of garment making, makeup and ultimately the art of drag via RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her drag persona is flamboyant and camp but most of all, Vergine is the epitome ofhigh fashion – with outfits and shows inspired by a range of designers and cultural icons such as Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, Sasha Velour, ClubKids and Dita Von Teese to name a few.

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Young filmmaker and writer, debuted with the poetry collection „Mă uit înapoi și dispare” (I look back and it’s gone) in 2020. She wrote three theatre plays and her films have been part of festivals like Sarajevo IFF, Shanghai IFF and BIEFF. She is the organiser of the Super Film Festival and founder of the Gura Mare platform.

Luca Istodor is a queer activist living in Bucharest. He graduated from Harvard College as a gender studies major and is currently finishing his anthropology master’s, with a dissertation on queer parties and drug use. Luca co-organizes art200, the LGBTQ+ culture festival, he founded the Super teenage arts festival and currently works for Accept Association. He has written articles on queer issues and identity, mental health and other social & cultural topics for Romanian and international publications such as VICE, Iscoada, Scena9, CUTRA or HuffPost. His first book, A Space of Our Own (Un Spațiu doar al Nostru), was published in 2020. It is an anthology featuring 20 queer love stories from different periods in (recent) Romanian history.

Online music magazine, broadcasting also compelling cultural stories around the world. The Attic is a listening experience that maps artistic reports, music reviews and hand picked trending tracks.

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A Bucharest-based floral atelier that delves into the art of ikebana and beyond, crafting unique arrangements that embody the rituals of creation and gifting. Through their innovative designs, they explore new avenues of expression, seamlessly blending nature's elements to evoke profound emotions. Each piece is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the beauty and impermanence of life, offering a fresh perspective on floral artistry.

Bianca is based in Cluj-Napoca where she explores visual art and rap music. She graduated the University of Art and Design, in graphic design. She is into the applicability of art in different creative contexts such as graphics, typography and photography.

Bianca is also a member of Ouch Collective, an all-girl group based in Romania, but extending globaly, playing from rap to UK bass, breakbeat and whatever she finds special or sensitive.Bianca is passionate about highlighting emerging artists from minority groups and pushing boundaries in the industry, showing that there is room for more than a handful of artists on the scene.

She is also part of Club Control’s creative team, designing posters and artworks for their events and music gigs, and in the meantime trying to find her way as a freelance graphic designer.

Her inspiration comes from the culture of her generation and the irony of the society where she belongs to, always infused with a touch of sensitivity.

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Known as Marea Dragoste, she is a young visual artist, writer, perfumer, and online performer. Utilizing Instagram as a platform, Marea Dragoste showcases her artistic expressions through short, impactful films. Her work, characterized by raw imagery and spontaneity, aligns with postmodern aesthetics.

In 2016, she collaborated with the creative duo Imaculatura for an exhibition at Vienna Design Week and published her debut book, "Calaiacanaia," which won the Best Artist Book award. She has had numerous collaborations with various designers, artists, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. In 2019, she released another poetry book titled "Hotel Resort." Currently, she is studying and exploring the Art of Perfumery.

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The designer behind Barning, a Romanian brand that stands out with its revolutionary take on fashion, embracing minimalism, non-binary designs, and a futuristic aesthetic. Barni, an androgynous model and the creative mind behind the brand, challenges traditional gender categorizations in fashion. Their fascination with the visual realm extends beyond fashion, having interests in architecture and beauty. Barning's ethos embodies a fresh perspective, promoting inclusivity and pushing boundaries within the fashion landscape.

CUTRA is a queer feminist magazine. It is both a printed magazineand a permanent online platform: www.cutra.ro. The first printed issue was released inDecember 2018, and there are currently four issues available.

This project is the result of collective care and effort. It is aplatform where intersectional feminist voices find space for self-expression,where yet unwritten thoughts, expectations and new perspectives are brought tolight.

The Bucharest-based editorial team upholds antifascist,anticapitalist, and antiracist values, advocating for the empowerment of thosemost negatively impacted by the current socio-political climate. Through theirwork, the magazine aims to promote sensitivity, intimacy, solidarity, andsexual liberation as radical political acts in a world that often seeks todismiss or undermine them as weaknesses.

Téa Nicolae is a scholar-practitioner and poetess. She writes devotional (bhakti) poetry and her main research interests are the Sanskrit epic poem the Mahābhārata, the Goddess-worshipping stream of Śāktism, and non-dual philosophy. She is currently completing a Ph.D. at the School of Divinity of Edinburgh University, where she is researching the female experience of the Mahābhārata. Her first collection of poetry, ”songs of youth”, a chronicle of the journey threaded to adulthood through the angst of adolescence, was published in 2023. In addition to her formal academic training, Téa is immersed in the study of Tāntrik oral-practice traditions. She considers that her writings are enriched by the insights and experience unearthed through practice.

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POC!, is the first documentary-comics magazine in Romania. Its stories reflect on both important environmental issues and some much-needed local initiatives for smaller communities. Thus, POC! wants to facilitate a framework for reflection that combines social analysis with artistic creation. Its topics challenge us to rethink social mechanisms and personal beliefs.

Basel-based singer, producer, and artist. She creates dreamy, gothic, and experimental music inspired by themes of ghosts, grief, and love.

Ana began her musical journey during her art studies in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2023, she released her debut album Toys through No Salad Records. Stories of smuggled music from the communist era shaped her childhood, leading to her discovery of 80s alternative, 90s emo, and shoegaze. Influenced by Romania's underground music scene, Ana merges experimental pop with both nostalgic and futuristic sounds. Blending music with her poetry and performance practice, she crafts a universe of intimate confession and emotional transcendence.

Team Prieteni was the most affluent Twitch community in Romania. Founded by Silviu Faiar, Alex Zlavog, and Really Rux, Team Prieteni evolved into a genuine community of Twitch streamers. Some of the members focused on social or political topics, such as @jocsivorbe and @nichitaliga. During its active years, they constantly dominated the Romanian Twitch charts.

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Sebastian Moroșanu, also known as Elmurorosa, is a variety streamer from Bucharest. Formerly part of the Team Prieteni streaming group, he tackles a wide range of topics from Romanian society to real estate listings, local TV shows, pop culture, politics, influencers, and public figures, in a critical and funny manner. His content stands out for its mix of humour and sharp observations, sought after viewers who enjoy both laughs and insightful opinions.

Bucovina Digital Media Days (BDMD) is a festival designed to unite artists, communicators, legal experts, and forward-thinkers in the digital space. It fosters collaboration to drive both professional growth and grassroots change. Focused on empowering those at the beginning of their journey, BDMD serves as a bridge between emerging talent and industry leaders, providing opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Founded by Saul Pop and Loredana Bertișan-Pop - a couple dedicated to shaping a nation that meets the needs of its people through education - the festival creates a learning environment tailored to the ever-evolving demands of both the workforce and the work field. Their mission is to empower communities to become more sustainable, educated, ethical, and future-oriented, leaving a lasting impact on the digital and creative industries.

Performer, choreographer, and project manager based in Bucharest. With a background in choreography from the National University of Film and Theater, she coordinates Indie Box, an independent platform for contemporary dance and music. Her work focuses on the relationship between artistic process, product, and environment, promoting greater artistic freedom, conscious interactions, and inclusive social spaces. Alexandra's artistic projects often address mental health, including performances, dance films, and interventions in psychiatric hospitals. She has also contributed to productions at the Metropolitan Circus of Bucharest and initiated a series of residencies for supporting mother artists. A founding member of AREAL – Space for Choreographic Development, she was recognized by the National Dance Center of Bucharest in 2020 for her contributions to Romanian contemporary dance.

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Loot is graphic designer duo: Ana-Maria Grigoriu and Stelian Dobrescu. Their imagery is minimalist, almost clinical, yet warm and inviting. Their creative endeavors also include an independent magazine, Jug, developed together with editor Vlad Tăușance. The paper (available also in a limited print run) features texts signed by ten authors and artworks from ten local artists.