Culture for Democracy

Culture and art are crucial for fostering greater tolerance and social cohesion, open and inclusive societies, reconciliation and democracy. Due to years of transition, the potential of arts and culture has not been fully employed in Serbia. Public cultural institutions are heavily dependent on state funding and lack autonomy. Independent artistic expression remains undervalued, continuously losing its significance. The cultural scene remains challenged by restricted freedom of expression, lack of resources and by absence of space for gatherings.

In the given context, the independent cultural sector enables not only the development of the artistic and cultural scene, but also the strengthening of links between culture and education, democracy, and the overall social development.

• Individual artistic and cultural actors unleash their potential for triggering critical thinking and dialogue around topics of immediate relevance for their communities.
• Networks and cooperation arrangements empower and enable cultural actors to uphold a stimulating space for promoting pluralistic values and inter-cultural dialogue.

Erwartete Resultate:   Independent cultural actors will be provided with resources to tackle topics relevant for their local communities through diversified cultural expression and socially responsible artistic production. In addition, they will be provided with opportunities for networking that will enable collaboration for exchanges, mutual learning and innovation. Capacities and skills of independent cultural actors to develop their programs, build organizational skills and increase visibility will also be addressed.

Resultate von früheren Phasen:  

The assessment conducted during the Inception phase confirmed that the independent cultural sector faces three main challenges: lack of funding, lack of networking and cooperation possibilities and lack of audience development. Cultural actors’ capacities to exercise their mandate remain low, both in financial and operational terms.

Cultural participation in the public cultural events by the local audience in Serbia has been decreasing in the last decade. Women, in particularly those who have higher education and live in urban areas, are more prone to cultural activities than men.

• Foundation Heartefact Fund
• Independent cultural actors