Logo of the Split exhibition Islands and Saints won the Red Dot Design Award

The logo for the Split exhibition "Islands and Saints," set to open in 2025 at the Archaeological Museum in Split, has won the prestigious international design award Red Dot Design Award. The museum announced this achievement on Friday, highlighting the recognition received by the visual identity created by Croatian designer Stjepko Rošin. His solution was acknowledged by an international jury as an example of exceptional quality in design, creativity, and execution. Rošin’s logo draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of early medieval times, with its foundation rooted in the Beneventana script. This calligraphic style developed in southern Italy from the eighth century onward and achieved its longest continuity outside the Italian Peninsula along the eastern coast of the Adriatic. During a period marked by illiteracy and wars, Benedictine monasteries on remote islands served as vital centers of literacy, knowledge, and cultural exchange. Through a graphic interpretation of characteristic shapes and ligatures of this script, the logo depicts an isolated island monastery and its reflection on the sea. The visual identity was developed through twelve variations of the logo, each emphasizing different aspects of the historical context and aesthetic principles. The exhibition "Islands and Saints" presented the results of the international research project Monacorale, dedicated to investigating the early medieval monastic heritage of the Adriatic islands. It was created through collaboration between the Archaeological Museum in Split, the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, France's National Research Agency (ANR), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the French School in Rome, and several French research units. The winning design reflects a deep engagement with both historical and artistic elements. The Beneventana script, known for its distinctive ligatures and ornamental features, was chosen not only for its visual appeal but also for its symbolic significance. It represents the role of monasteries as hubs of learning during a time when such resources were scarce. The logo captures this essence by merging the architectural form of a monastery with the fluidity of water, suggesting both isolation and connection. Stjepko Rošin, who has previously worked on numerous high-profile projects, described the process of creating the logo as both challenging and rewarding. He emphasized the importance of accurately representing the historical context while maintaining a modern aesthetic that would resonate with contemporary audiences. The final result, according to the jury, successfully bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. The exhibition itself is part of a broader effort to promote awareness of the region’s rich medieval history. By combining archaeological findings with visual art, the organizers aim to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and religious influences that shaped the Adriatic islands. The project has already garnered attention from scholars and institutions around the world, with plans for further exhibitions and publications in the coming years. The recognition from the Red Dot Design Award underscores the growing appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches in cultural projects. As the exhibition prepares for its debut in 2025, anticipation is building among historians, designers, and the general public. The museum has confirmed that additional details regarding the exhibition’s content and schedule will be released in the near future.