Interviews and Profiles

  • Using art to build community

    In this interview with “Hidden Leaves”, a publication of Ilan-Lael, the non-profit founded by James Hubbell, Milenko discusses his work and the seeds of his collaborations with James.

  • The OHO Files: Interview with Milenko Matanovic

    Beti Zerovc from Art Margins speaks to Milenko about his years in OHO and how his background in the 1960s avant-garde art scene of Eastern Europe led him to his unique brand of community engagement.

  • Seattle Town Hall

    Town Hall’s Civics series highlights everything from local policies to world politics. These events offer perspectives on a range of topics as diverse as Seattle itself—a bustling forum for activism, discovery, and thought-provoking discussion.

    One of the last public events in Seattle before the pandemic shut down in-person events, Milenko spoke to a crowded town hall.

  • podcast - Upzones #50: Milenko Matanovic

    Milenko stopped by Cascadia Underground to chat with Ian Martinez. They chat about democracy and Milenko shares his passion for that most democratic of institutions, the public meeting, and breaks down how important it is to a functional relationship with the government (and how easy it is to abuse)

  • “How the Pomegranate Center Is Transforming Communities Through Collaboration”

    I work with communities of place … just people who happen to live together in the same neighborhood, same city, same town, who come from different cultures, ideologies, religions, tastes and values. In my philosophy, those differences are the greatest untapped asset we have in our society. In what conditions can those differences lead to something productive?

    Read more in the Amanda Hirsch’s article in Mediashift

  • Milenko Matanovic, community-based planner, answers questions

    We specialize in involving people in creating gathering places, thereby integrating art into the fabric of the community. We help develop plans for neighborhoods that are safe, humane, environmentally excellent, and filled with character. I founded Pomegranate Center in 1986…

    Read more from Grist

  • Interview with Milenko Matanovic

    I strive for conditions where the best of each of us can coexist, where people are talented together. When I can, I gladly draw on the talents and expertise of others.

    Read more in Sarah Zoutewelle-Morris’ Interview in Art Calling

  • Restoring ashland park with milenko

    By Erika North, Connections, June 2016

    Twenty years ago, when Issaquah Highlands was still in its conceptual stage, a prominent visionary and self-described “recovering artist”, Milenko Matanovic, was introduced to the CEO of Port Blakely Communities, Judd Kirk. Milenko became an integral part of the planning of this now vibrant and remarkable community, Issaquah Highlands. I had the pleasure of meeting with Milenko recently to learn more about his involvement with the planning of Issaquah Highlands and his marvelous contributions to this community.

  • "Pomegranate Center Brings Community Back to Communities”

    ..The neighbors felt inspired to do something. They were weary, yes: of the drug activity, the vandalism, the pressure of striving for a better life in a low-income neighborhood bordered by railroad tracks and a busy arterial.

    Read more of Sonia Krishnan’s profile in Pacific NW Magazine

  • Podcast - Change the Story, Change the World

    Bill Cleveland is a pioneer in the community arts movement and one of its most poetic documenters. Activist, teacher, lecturer, and musician, he directs the Center for the Study of Art & CommunityActivist, teacher, lecturer, and musician. He chats with Milenko about democracy, an artists’ place in current society, and more.

  • Wall Street International

    Coverage of Milenko’s “Waves” Exhibit from 2018.

  • “Pomegranate Center uses art to better everyday living”

    Milenko discusses Pomegranate Center’s philosophy and projects with Jennifer Langston in this Seattle Post Intelligencer Profile.

  • An amazing urban transformation in City Heights

    Cool San Diego Sights profiles the Manzanita Gathering Place transformation.

  • A beautiful transformation in National City

    Cool Sights San Diego profiles Butterfly Park in National City, CA.