In a significant blow to Serbia’s cultural landscape, Euro-travelers will soon be deprived of one of the continent’s largest music festivals due to alleged state interference.
Exit Festival Exits Serbia: Financial Fallout from Student Protest Support
Exit Festival Exits Serbia: Financial Fallout from Student Protest Support
Organisers cite government pressure as cause for withdrawal from the country.
One of Europe’s premier music festivals, Exit, has announced it will no longer take place in Serbia following claims of "undemocratic pressures" from governmental bodies. Scheduled for its 25th anniversary edition from July 10 to 13, Exit stated this will be the festival’s final outing in the country, attributing its withdrawal to the cessation of government funding amid state-sponsored sponsor withdrawals.
This dramatic decision is tied to Exit’s recent advocacy for student-led protests against corruption in Serbia. In response to tragic incidents, such as the deadly railway station collapse in Novi Sad last November, students rallied, and Exit offered heartfelt support, providing resources and participating in protests.
Founder Dusan Kovacevic expressed the festival’s commitment to activism, stating, "freedom has no price," and urging audiences to celebrate the festival's legacy of unity, love, and freedom rather than its abrupt conclusion. The provincial culture secretariat, however, counters allegations with claims of budgetary constraints, which they argue precluded additional support.
Celebrated for drawing over 200,000 visitors last year and spotlighting global musical acts like The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys, Exit has evolved into an influential platform for promoting Serbian culture and tourism. According to industry insiders, the festival has been a catalyst for growth within the country’s live music scene, shaping a more positive international image of Serbia.
While it remains uncertain whether the festival will seek refuge in a different country, the impact of this decision looms large over Serbia’s creative community. The festival, previously regarded for its themes ranging from human rights to LGBTQ+ rights, brings serious discourse into the cultural fold, reinforcing the notion that music can indeed foster social activism.
