The official database of buildings, new facades, sculptures, monuments, fountains and other structures which are components of Skopje’s makeover financed by public funds
The pedestals of the monuments are an accurate representation of the attitude of the “Skopje 2014” project ideologists towards financial transparency and artistic freedom.
The postaments were bought through three public bids in January and September 2009 and in November 2010, signed by the Municipality of Centar and the Beton construction company. It is worthy to note that the contracts with Beton did not mention the exact number of postaments included in the contract. The cost of the postaments is also almost never included in the amount spent on any of the monuments.
Almost all of the postaments, regardless of their composition and style, share the same basic concept, dimensions and material. Made of polished travertine, they have round profiles and bronze reliefs added on the sides. Experts have remarked that this uniformity indicates a certain “common platform”, i.e., stylistic and other parameters set out in advance which are imposed on the authors. This practice limits the artist and stifles creativity.