“Spaces of Freedom”: A New Network to Strengthen Independent Culture Across Serbia
In a time when civic space is shrinking and local communities are left on the margins, the “Spaces of Freedom” project emerges as a joint effort by four civil society organizations from Serbia: the Zaječar Initiative, Crna Kuća (Novi Sad), Fakiri sa juga (Kruševac), and K-Town Group (Kosjerić).
These organizations have created and nurtured local cultural centers over the years – the Youth Center Zaječar, Crna Kuća (Black House), Alternative Cultural Center Gnezdo, and Poligon – which now serve as community-driven hubs of independent culture, dialogue, and civic action. They are more than just venues; they are living spaces for solidarity, creativity, and equality.
While cultural decentralization is often mentioned in state strategies, real support remains centralized in the capital. Independent centers in smaller communities face significant challenges – from lack of funding to political pressure and even attacks. That is why “Spaces of Freedom” is not just a project, but a movement to empower culture beyond the centers of power.
Over the next two and a half years, project partners will:
- strengthen cooperation among existing cultural centers,
- improve their public visibility and recognition,
- create high-quality programs for youth, artists, and activists,
- and provide direct financial support to both established and emerging centers.
Because culture must not be a luxury, but the foundation of a free and healthy society—and because every community, large or small, deserves its own space for freedom—now is the time to support the places where young people, artists, activists, and citizens come together to imagine and build better communities.
The “Spaces of Freedom” project is supported by the European Union and implemented by the Zaječar Initiative, in partnership with the Youth Center CK13 from Novi Sad, the organization Fakiri sa juga from Kruševac, and K-Town Group from Kosjerić.
