Mirna Zagar has devoted her professional career to the field of contemporary dance, dedicated to creation, production, development of artistic projects and dance infrastructure, supporting artistic careers, engaging in development of opportunities for international collaboration and those that aim to lift dance as an art form integral to society’s well-being.
She has worked for over 40 years to enhance conditions, lift barriers and raise awareness for contemporary dance in Croatia and the broader region.
During this period she has established the Dance Week Festival in Zagreb, (celebrating 40th anniversary in 2023 and of which she is the Artistic Director), The Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance (non-profit organization established in 1992); and lobbied local government to invest into Croatia’s first purpose built facility for dance now known as Zagreb Dance Centre (opened doors in 2006, with the Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance successfully operating it until 2017 when it was requisitioned by the City and handed over to city run theatre). Mirna has been involved as both partner and project leader in 18 EU projects and has a wealth of experience in mentoring emergent leaders in dance. She often serves as juror and consults on dance developments internationally.
The Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance is a member of the European DanceHouse Network (EDN). The organization has received high acknowledgements for its work and contributions to dance: President of Croatia Acclamation (2011), EFFE Label and Award for Excellence (2014).
Having established a successful career in dance both internationally as well as in Croatia, Mirna joined The Dance Centre in Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia’s primary resource centre in 1998, in the capacity of Executive Director in charge of developing programs that will pivot Vancouver dance into the national and international focus, and to spearhead the development of a dance house. In 2001 Scotiabank Dance Centre opened doors, becoming Canada’s first purpose-built facility nearing its 25th anniversary. The Dance Centre under Mirna’s leadership today is a leading force in Canadian dance and an international presence too.
Mirna’s work is informed by over 40 years of working internationally in dance (building on a rich career as a dancer and choreographer, to teacher and rehearsal director; from Artistic Director of Zagreb Dance Ensemble to Festival Director (www.danceweekfestival.com) and curator (10 year Member of the Artistic Council of the Rencontres Choregraphique Seine Saint Denis). She has also co-founded the: Moving Academy for Performing Arts, Netherlands) today MAPA mapa.nl); having lived and worked on three continents, and having worked with marginalized communities she is passionate about supporting initiatives around inclusive practices in the performing arts, and those considerate of migration and cross-cultural initiatives.