Speakers

Laze Tripkov (1978) is a visual artist, researcher, and Professor of Visual Communication and New Media at the Faculty of Art and Design at International Balkan University in Skopje. His interdisciplinary practice focuses on virtual reality, immersive environments, media art, interactive installations, and emerging technologies, with particular research interest in VR accessibility and cultural heritage.

He holds an MA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and completed post-master studies in Multimedia and Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. He earned a PhD in Visual Communication and was a Fulbright scholar researching Balkan symbols and iconography.

Tripkov has exhibited in 15 solo and over 75 group exhibitions internationally. His recognitions include the Golden Bee Award at the Moscow Poster Biennale, an Honorable Award from the Czech Association of Graphic Design, a Bronze Award at the Emirates International Festival (2025), and a State Recognition for the promotion of Macedonian art and culture.

He has held leadership roles as Vice Dean at the Faculty of Design and Multimedia in Podgorica and Director of the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Skopje. He is a co-founder of Skopje Design Week, former Program Director of Skopje Creative Festival, and has served as National Coordinator for Creative Industries at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, consultant for the World Bank PRODE program in Montenegro, and currently works as a coordinator for Skopje 2028 – European Capital of Culture.