The I:BICA Team
Lidija Ristić
Founder
Why us?
Our team has pioneered an approach that brings art and science together on equal terms.
We consider creative work to be a distinct intellectual exercise that has its own way of elucidating a deeper understanding of essential topics. Its function in cross-sectoral collaborations is not to simply illustrate research conclusions. It has its own information and perspective to contribute on any given subject matter.
Art can go places sciences can not.
And through collaboration, art + science
can go further than ever before.
Milica Grujić
Founding team member
As a proud founding member of I:BICA, I embody the transformative fusion of art and science. Shaping a future where the brilliance of real human talent converges at the crossroads of creativity and intellect, I invite you to join me on this visionary journey. Together, we transcend limits, not merely redefining the intersection of art and science, but sculpting a boundless tomorrow where genuine human inventiveness takes center stage.
This is not just a belief; it is my lived reality as an art historian turned programmer, epitomizing the seamless integration of artistic insight and technological innovation. Join us in unleashing the unlimited potential that arises when art and science harmonize, charting a course towards a future where imagination knows no bounds.
Lidija Ristic
Founder & Director, Interdisciplinary Visual Artist
I am fueled by my passion for creative innovation, a desire to share knowledge and a thirst to understand our world more deeply. I am committed to steering I:BICA towards being a global leader in interdisciplinary innovation and sustainable change. Our team sees its supporters as partners in a shared journey towards collective growth. Team I:BICA and our generous donors, come together as advocates for impactful change-making through a shared belief in the transformative power of creative collaboration.
My interdisciplinary professional background has uniquely prepared me to head this organization. I have studied painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, dance, creative writing, theater, video and audio production. Additionally, I have experience working in over 30 roles in a total of 18 industries. I am a graduate of both New York University (MFA) and Massachusetts College of Art & Design (BFA). Apart from my fine arts education, I had a marked interest in the STEM field. In my youth, I participated in programming at MIT’s Draper Laboratory in Cambridge Massachusetts and took Advanced Placement courses and tests in Biology. More recently I have focused on honing my leadership skills through participation in the Creative Leaders Academy program in Creative Entrepreneurship, produced in partnership with the British Council and the European Union. As an independent artist I have participated in solo and group exhibitions in cities including Boston, Cambridge, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Oakland, San Francisco, Leipzig, Berlin, Milan and Belgrade. I bring a built-in biculturalism through my Serbian-American dual citizenship, enabling I:BICA to seamlessly bridge two worlds. The organization is founded on the bedrock of American management models, providing us with a solid foundation for success.
I am inspired by the journey that lies ahead and I feel very privileged to have the role of I:BICA’s Founder and Director. We may be a small team but we are a very passionate one. Every effort and gift, no matter how small, contributes to our profound purpose.
Milica Grujic
Founding Team Member & Head of Development
Driven by an insatiable curiosity that traverses the vast expanse of human knowledge, I effortlessly marry profound passion with an innate ability to empathize, establishing connections with both the familiar and the unfamiliar. A perpetual learner, I am dedicated to continuous self-education, finding solace in extensive reading, writing, and the world of painting during my leisure time.
My journey is marked by a unique fusion of disciplines. Graduating from the Art History department at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, I further honed my expertise pursuing a Master’s degree in the Department of Art Theory. However, my academic journey commenced with an undergraduate degree in Architecture. This diverse background has earned me accolades across multiple domains, from high rankings in physics competitions to the prestigious Borislav Pekic Award for an essay dissecting Franz Kafka’s philosophy.
Professionally, I am a seasoned expert in Internet development, a freelance curator, and art writer. Having navigated the realms of both software development and hardware distribution, I’ve also played pivotal roles in startup environments. Notably, I resurrected and managed the Debate Club at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Philosophy, leading the team to triumph in international debate competitions among European Faculties of Philosophy within a year.
I cherish my role in I:BICA, where I find the ideal platform to seamlessly integrate my diverse interests and expertise. Beyond being a testament to the power of creative interdisciplinary thinking, I see I:BICA as a force poised for positive change. With a seasoned team of interdisciplinary practitioners, we harness our collective expertise, forming a global network of innovative individuals. Our unwavering commitment to social change and mutual support propels us towards our shared goals.
Brajan Vojinovic
Founding Team Member & Association Ambassador
Brajan Vojinovic’s unyielding curiosity traverses the fascinating realms of meteorology and art history, seamlessly blending a profound passion with an innate ability to empathize. Born in 1999, he embodies the innovative and adaptable spirit of Generation Z, embarking on a unique trajectory that spans from meteorology to the intricate world of art history.
His journey includes an impressive portfolio in curating exhibitions and steering the art fairs representation for his former gallery, X vitamin. Beyond these professional endeavors, his soft skills and dynamic approach to learning enabled him to build an extensive network of artists and art professionals. This unique combination positioned him not only as a seasoned curator but also as a capable brand ambassador with the ability to connect and collaborate effectively.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Brajan derives immense joy from contributing to charitable causes and lending his voice to various choirs. This multifaceted approach to life, coupled with his youth and diverse range of experiences, defined him as a fresh and dynamic force in the world of interdisciplinary thinking. Although Brajan is no longer an active member of our team, his foundational contributions and unique perspective continue to influence and inspire our organization. We are grateful for his instrumental role in founding IBICA and look forward to seeing his continued impact on the broader landscape of the art world.
