Ambassador,
Painter, Photographer, Novelist, Curator, and Cultural Policy Maker
Fate Velaj is an internationally recognized artist and cultural diplomat, celebrated for his role as a bridge-builder between peoples. He has made significant contributions to art, European integration, and cultural policy, earning numerous national and international honors.
Born: 1963, Fier, Albania
Grew up: Vlora, Albania
Residences: Vienna, Tirana, and Vlora
Education: Diploma in Art & Cultural Management, University of Applied Arts, Vienna
Political & Advisory Roles:
2017: Elected Member of the Albanian Parliament
2013: Advisor for Cultural Diplomacy to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama
2024 - Ambassador of Albania in Austria
Artistic Leadership:
Since 2001: CEO and Curator, Forum Weltoffen International
2004-2007: Artistic Director, WMC Artforum Vienna
Since 2007: CEO, European Forum AL
Since 2009: CEO, Vlora Forum for International Dialogue
Since 2002: Board and Honorary Member of various international organizations
Major Cultural Projects:
2014: Vienna Night at the National Opera, Tirana
2012: Europa Plaza in Fier city center
2009: Europa Boulevard 100 Steps Toward Europe on Lake Ohrid (Albania, Macedonia, Greece)
1997: Exhibition in Gaming, Lower Austria; half of the sales donated to flood victims
Awards and Honors:
2024: Medal of Honour of the Province of Cosenza, Italy
2019: Title of Professor, awarded by the President of Austria in cooperation with the University of Vienna
2014: Resolution of Welcome and Recognition, Cleveland City Council, USA
2013: Knights Cross I-st Class in Gold – Order of Merit, Austria
2012: Albanian Excellence Award on the 100th anniversary of Albanias independence
2011: European Citizen Prize, European Parliament, for special merit to the EU
2003: Bundesehrenzeichen, Austrian Order of Merit for services to the Republic
Legacy and Impact
Fate Velaj has been recognized globally for his contributions to art, culture, and diplomacy. Through his work, he has fostered European integration, promoted cross-cultural dialogue, and leveraged art as a powerful tool for international understanding.
