The transformation of art from something to be viewed into an experience that engages all the senses has become a reality in Romania thanks to the vision of two entrepreneurs who took a chance on technology and creativity. Mădălina Ivașcu and Sorina Topceanu, co-founders of the Museum of Immersive New Art (MINA), were recently included in the “Album of Romanian Personalities,” a project carried out by the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania. The project aims to honor 100 exceptional Romanians who, through their work, have become benchmarks of excellence and innovation, actively contributing to the country’s image and development in various fields, ranging from science and economics to art and culture.
MINA is a first for South-Eastern Europe, serving as the largest immersive art center that uses cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality, video mapping, and artificial intelligence, to bring classical and contemporary masterpieces closer to the public. In just three years since the launch of their first concepts, the projects created by the two entrepreneurs, including the RADAR festival and One Night Gallery,have attracted over 800,000 visitors. This impressive figure confirms the success of a new direction in the cultural sector, where technology is no longer viewed merely as a technical tool, but as a tool of facilitating emotion and a deep connection with the artistic act.
The recognition received from the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania serves as a validation of a professional journey built on considerable courage and a desire for creative freedom. Mădălina Ivașcu, although she comes from a family with deep roots in art history, has managed to overcome the barriers of a non-technical self-perception, discovering in “new media art” a modern and captivating visual language. For her part, Sorina Topceanu made the transition from PR and tourism to cultural entrepreneurship out of a need to transform abstract ideas into real projects capable of generating a major social and educational impact. The two co-founders emphasize that their inclusion in this album represents both a joy and a responsibility to remain relevant in a field that is constantly changing.
The inclusion of these two figures in the album meets the Foundation’s strict selection criteria, which focus on economic impact, innovation, and the ability to promote Romania’s potential on an international level. Produced in a bilingual format, the album serves as a showcase of contemporary achievement, and the story of the MINA Museum is the perfect example of how the vision of passionate individuals can heal rifts in the community and build new bridges between generations. Through this initiative, the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania continues to identify and promote authentic models of success, demonstrating that investing in talent and intelligence remains the most reliable path to a modern and respected society.
