ANIMA ARS NOVA
Institute for Culture, Education, Sustainable Projects and Community
Anima Ars Nova is an independent cultural institute based in Slovenia, established as a non-profit organization dedicated to artistic creation, cultural education, sustainability, social engagement, and interdisciplinary projects.
Founder & Director: Mihael Hrustelj
Location: Slovenia
Contact:
Email: info@mihaelhrustelj.com
Phone: +386 40 748 290
https://www.mihaelhrustelj.com/
Anima Ars Nova develops interdisciplinary cultural and educational projects that bring together music, research and community engagement, supporting contemporary cultural production and international cultural collaboration.
Founded in 2026 by composer and guitarist Mihael Hrustelj, the institute builds on his long-standing artistic practice spanning concert performance, interdisciplinary artistic projects, and educational initiatives.
Anima Ars Nova focuses particularly on projects where art intersects with sustainability, social engagement and interdisciplinary research.
Our expertise and artistic focus:
Music composition, production and performance
Sound design and artistic production
Cultural education and workshops
Sustainable artistic practices
Interdisciplinary artistic research
Community-based cultural initiatives
Contemporary composition and performance
Experimental instrument design
Ecological and sustainability-oriented art
Selected Artistic and Professional Activities
2026 – Podzemlje Pece / Mežica Mine Museum (Slovenia)
Contribution to the audio installation and sound design for the renovated underground museum experience of the historic lead and zinc mine.
2025 – STRUNE / STRINGS in the City and Nature : Symphonica Machina et Natura (Slovenia)
Interdisciplinary performance project combining music, ecological research, upcycle art, and experimental instrument design.
2024 – Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia
Support for the project New Folk Sounds of Slovenia, exploring contemporary interpretations of Slovenian folk heritage.
2023 – National Broadcast Performance – RTV Slovenija
Live television performance as guitar soloist with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra during the national state celebration.
2023 – International Artistic Residency – Taiwan
Cross-cultural artistic collaboration and development of new musical works.
2012–present – International Concert Activity
Performances and collaborations across Europe and internationally as a composer and guitarist.
STRUNE / STRINGS in the City and Nature : Symphonica Machina et Natura (2025)
Interdisciplinary performance, artistic research, sustainable instrument design
https://www.mihaelhrustelj.com/news/strings-city-nature-music-project-symphonica-machina-et-natura
Interdisciplinary ecological performance project combining music, visual art, experimental instrument building and sustainable reuse of industrial materials.
The project centres on a four-movement musical suite written for newly constructed string instruments made from repurposed industrial objects and natural materials. Old piano, orchestral and guitar strings are stretched across sculptural constructions made from discarded washing machine drums, metal basins, bathtubs and natural wood elements.
More than 90% of the materials used in the instruments originate from reused waste materials, forming a sonic dialogue between the industrial environment and the natural world.
The project integrates music composition, acoustics research, instrument design, woodworking, electronics and collaborative craftsmanship. Following the premiere performance, the instruments will also be presented as sculptural installations.
The project represents an innovative artistic dialogue between industrial heritage, natural materials, and contemporary musical composition.
Recognition – Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia
The professional artistic work of Mihael Hrustelj has been recognized and supported within the Slovenian cultural framework through programmes administered by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, acknowledging the artistic and cultural relevance of his creative practice.
In 2024, his project New Folk Sounds of Slovenia received support through the Ministry’s funding programme dedicated to contemporary reinterpretations of Slovenian musical heritage and original compositions inspired by folk music.
The project explores the roots of Slovenian folk tradition while integrating contemporary musical language and personal artistic expression, creating a dialogue between cultural heritage and modern compositional approaches.
National Broadcast Performance – RTV Slovenija
Soloist with State RTV SLO Symphonic Orchestra – National Broadcast
Live TV broadcast – State Celebration 2023
The artistic work of Mihael Hrustelj has been presented through RTV Slovenija, the Slovenian national public broadcasting institution, contributing to the presentation of contemporary Slovenian music to a wider national audience.
His work has been featured in live broadcast performances, including original compositions for big band, where he performed as a soloist. He has also appeared as a guitar soloist with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra during a national state celebration broadcast.
These performances contributed to the national broadcast presentation of contemporary Slovenian musical creativity.
International Artistic Residency – Taiwan (2023)
Participation in an international artistic residency in Taiwan, enabling cross-cultural artistic exchange and development of new musical collaborations. Including collaboration with indigenous musicians and the Taiwu Ballads Troupe.
Cultural Heritage Collaboration
2025 – Podzemlje Pece / Mežica Mine Museum (Slovenia)
Contribution to the renovation of the underground visitor experience at the Podzemlje Pece – Mežica Mine.
The project involved the installation and integration of audio equipment and sound effects used in the immersive underground museum tour, contributing to the sonic environment that enhances the interpretative experience of the historic mining site.
The renovation project was supported by European development funding aimed at preserving industrial heritage and developing cultural tourism.
Additional International Activity
International Artistic Grants and Collaborations
Over the years, Mihael Hrustelj has participated in various international artistic projects and received support through grants and cultural cooperation programs that enabled performances, research, and collaborations across multiple countries.
Selected support includes:
• Vlado Kreslin (Slovenian folk artist) collaboration (2025)
• Scholarship – Prince Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Netherlands (2022–2023)
• Music Export Rotterdam (2017-2023)
• Droom en Daad Foundation, Netherlands (2022)
• Brothers Teofilovič (Serbian folk singers) collaboration (2021)
Community, education and international workshops
• Workshop Sound Mind for music teachers in Slovenia (EGTA – European Guitar Teachers Association) and Austria (Styria) (2024–2025)
• Youth mixed choir collaboration and live album recording Glasovi (2023)
• Lecture on Slovenian and Balkan folk music at Tainan University of Applied Sciences (2019)