Association Domino

Association Domino, founded in 2003 by Zvonimir Dobrović, is Croatia’s most prominent independent arts organization and a powerful platform for cultural and social activism. Established initially to launch the Queer Zagreb Festival, Domino has since expanded into a multifaceted initiative that uses art to challenge dominant societal norms, particularly those shaped by patriarchy, religion, and nationalism. Central to its mission is the redefining of the term “queer” into a concept that extends beyond only gender/sexuality, and into any mode of being that exists outside that which is normative. This expansive interpretation of queerness allows Domino to explore diverse perspectives of many social issues through performance, publishing, education, and activism, opening inclusive conversations in Croatia and beyond.

Domino organizes several major cultural festivals in Croatia, including Queer Zagreb Season, Perforations (Eastern European contemporary art), and Sound Bodies (experimental dance). Along with its performance work, Domino runs a small publishing house that translates fundamental queer and feminist texts, like Foucault’s “History of Sexuality,” into Croatian for the first time. Domino also maintains Queer Moments, the longest running queer film series in Europe. Additionally, Domino has created multiple creative projects to sustain educational programming and showcase the influence of queer identities in Croatian history to the public.

At its core, the Domino Association is both an artistic and activist entity that operates at the intersections of civil society and culture, organizing everything from public protests to experimental art festivals. Domino remains responsive to both the historical legacies of homophobia and transphobia, and the contemporary systemic challenges that emerge from these legacies. Through their dynamic programming, domino continues to influence national and international conversations around identity, justice and creative expression.