The Exit music festival, celebrated for its roots in pro-democracy advocacy, will hold its final event in Serbia amid claims of state-sponsored intimidation and financial strain following its endorsement of student-led protests.
Exit Festival Bids Farewell to Serbia Amid Government Pressures
Exit Festival Bids Farewell to Serbia Amid Government Pressures
Iconic music festival terminates its Serbian edition after supporting student protests and facing funding withdrawal.
The Exit festival, one of Europe’s most distinguished music events, has announced its impending departure from Serbia, attributing the decision to "undemocratic pressures" that have stemmed from its vocal support for recent student protests against corruption. Scheduled for its milestone 25th edition from July 10 to 13, organizers revealed that this would be the last occasion for the festival to take place in Serbia. Allegations from the festival's management suggest that government funding has been rescinded and numerous sponsors have withdrawn due to pressure exerted by state authorities.
According to Exit’s organizers, the move comes in response to the festival's solidarity with students protesting corruption in the wake of a tragic railway disaster in Novi Sad last November that resulted in numerous fatalities. The festival provided assistance to protestors, from joining their marches to supplying essentials such as food and sleeping bags. Exit founder, Dusan Kovacevic, lamented the financial repercussions but emphasized that "freedom has no price," calling on people to cherish the festival for its contributions to unity, love, and liberty.
Since its inception, Exit has shown an unwavering commitment to civic causes, famously originating from a movement that catalyzed the fall of the Milosevic regime in 2000. Traditionally held at the picturesque Petrovaradin Fortress, the festival has drawn overwhelming crowds, reaching 200,000 attendees last year alone. The exit of this festival is expected to resonate across Serbia's creative landscape, leaving a gap in the cultural scene that has flourished over the years.
As Exit prepares for its last Serbian edition, the future remains uncertain; questions linger about whether the festival will relocate or reinvent itself elsewhere. The festival has seen iconic performances from rock legends like The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, contributing significantly to enhancing Serbia’s reputation on the global cultural map. Stakeholders, including those in Serbia's music scene, recognize exit's vital role in building a favorable image for the nation's arts and entertainment industry.
According to Exit’s organizers, the move comes in response to the festival's solidarity with students protesting corruption in the wake of a tragic railway disaster in Novi Sad last November that resulted in numerous fatalities. The festival provided assistance to protestors, from joining their marches to supplying essentials such as food and sleeping bags. Exit founder, Dusan Kovacevic, lamented the financial repercussions but emphasized that "freedom has no price," calling on people to cherish the festival for its contributions to unity, love, and liberty.
Since its inception, Exit has shown an unwavering commitment to civic causes, famously originating from a movement that catalyzed the fall of the Milosevic regime in 2000. Traditionally held at the picturesque Petrovaradin Fortress, the festival has drawn overwhelming crowds, reaching 200,000 attendees last year alone. The exit of this festival is expected to resonate across Serbia's creative landscape, leaving a gap in the cultural scene that has flourished over the years.
As Exit prepares for its last Serbian edition, the future remains uncertain; questions linger about whether the festival will relocate or reinvent itself elsewhere. The festival has seen iconic performances from rock legends like The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, contributing significantly to enhancing Serbia’s reputation on the global cultural map. Stakeholders, including those in Serbia's music scene, recognize exit's vital role in building a favorable image for the nation's arts and entertainment industry.
