“Spaces of Freedom” Debate in Niš: Culture on the Front Line of Society
A public debate titled “Spaces of Freedom” was held on October 24, 2025, at Deli Space in Niš, bringing together artists, activists, and representatives of the independent cultural scene from several Serbian cities.
Panel participants included Predrag Cvetičanin (Faculty of Arts, Niš), Aleksandar Mijalković (AKC Fuzz, Pirot), Uroš Kostić (MedD, Niš), and Ozren Lazić (CK13, Novi Sad).
During the discussion, participants emphasized that independent social and cultural spaces are essential for the development of local communities and the encouragement of civic activism, but that they are increasingly threatened by the centralized system of funding and the lack of local support.
Professor Predrag Cvetičanin pointed out the uneven distribution of cultural funding, noting that the majority of the budget goes to national institutions in Belgrade, while only symbolic amounts are allocated to the independent sector. He stressed that culture is often perceived as an “enemy of power,” making it even more important to preserve autonomy and freedom of action.
Ozren Lazić from CK13 in Novi Sad highlighted that independent spaces emerge from community needs and represent places where new ideas and social alternatives are born. Aleksandar Mijalković from AKC Fuzz emphasized that self-sustainability is the only way to maintain independence from political and economic pressures.
From the Niš-based association MedD, Uroš Kostić reminded the audience of the importance of spaces that provide young people with opportunities for creation and collaboration, stressing that such places are essential for the city of Niš.
The debate once again confirmed that independent cultural spaces are vital not only for the cultural scene but also for fostering solidarity, community, and free expression in society.
The discussion series “Spaces of Freedom” is part of the project of the same name supported by the European Union and implemented by the Zaječar Initiative in partnership with Youth Center CK13 (Novi Sad), Fakiri s juga (Kruševac), and K-Town Group (Kosjerić).
