One of the most significant music festivals in Europe, Exit Festival, is departing from Serbia due to what organizers describe as "undemocratic pressures." The festival, set to celebrate its 25th anniversary from July 10 to 13, announced that this will be their final event in the country because Serbian authorities have withdrawn government funding. Organizers claim that some sponsors were coerced into retracting their support due to state intervention, a move they allege is linked to the festival's advocacy for student-led anti-corruption protests.
Officials from the culture secretariat have dismissed these claims, citing financial challenges that hinder their ability to support the festival. Held annually at the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Exit Festival attracted approximately 200,000 attendees last year. Born from the pro-democracy movement that helped topple Slobodan Milosevic in 2000, the festival has a history of promoting social justice themes, with past editions addressing issues like human trafficking and LGBTQ+ rights.
Following a tragic incident last November, where a concrete canopy collapse led to the death of 16 individuals at Novi Sad railway station, students began protesting for accountability, receiving public backing from Exit Festival. The festival provided logistical support to protestors, ranging from essential supplies to social media promotion.
Dusan Kovacevic, the festival's founder, lamented the heavy financial toll of backing the students but emphasized that "freedom has no price." In his farewell statement, he urged future generations to remember Exit for its unity and advocacy for love and freedom. The future of the festival and its potential relocation is uncertain, leaving fans and the Serbian cultural scene eager for updates.
In its rich history, Exit Festival has showcased performances from renowned artists like The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Cure. Upcoming acts set to perform in their final Serbian edition include The Prodigy, The Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, and DJ Snake. The festival has not only received accolades as a top European festival but has also played a critical role in enhancing Serbia's creative landscape, attracting international audiences and stimulating local arts initiatives.
As Serbia continues to grapple with political and social challenges, the departure of such a prominent cultural event raises questions about the country's future as a creative hub in Europe.
