In a move that resonates deeply with democracy advocates, the Exit Festival, one of Europe’s premier music events, has announced it will not return to Serbia after its upcoming 25th anniversary in July. The decision was made after Serbian authorities allegedly withdrew financial support as a direct consequence of the festival's backing of student protests against corruption.
Exit Festival Bids Farewell to Serbia Amid Government Pressure Over Student Protests
Exit Festival Bids Farewell to Serbia Amid Government Pressure Over Student Protests
Organizers of the renowned Exit Festival are departing Serbia, citing state intervention and withdrawal of funding due to their support of student-led demonstrations.
The festival, which takes place in the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad and was attended by 200,000 visitors last year, has roots in the pro-democracy movement that helped end Slobodan Milosevic's rule. Organizers have consistently championed various social issues, with this year’s theme being shaped in response to student activism following last November’s tragic accident at a local railway station.
In a statement regarding the festival’s future, founder Dusan Kovacevic expressed that the sacrifices made in the name of freedom outweigh financial concerns. While the festival plans for its last edition in Serbia, questions remain about its potential relocation or new future as it bids farewell to a country that has played a significant role in its identity.
With a legacy that includes performances by major acts like The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, Exit Festival has significantly influenced Serbia’s cultural landscape, cultivating an inclusive music scene and attracting international attention. As tensions continue between art and government policies, the festival's departure marks a poignant moment in Serbia's artistic journey.
In a statement regarding the festival’s future, founder Dusan Kovacevic expressed that the sacrifices made in the name of freedom outweigh financial concerns. While the festival plans for its last edition in Serbia, questions remain about its potential relocation or new future as it bids farewell to a country that has played a significant role in its identity.
With a legacy that includes performances by major acts like The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, Exit Festival has significantly influenced Serbia’s cultural landscape, cultivating an inclusive music scene and attracting international attention. As tensions continue between art and government policies, the festival's departure marks a poignant moment in Serbia's artistic journey.
