The association Klara i Rosa has launched an initiative to include a new criterion – interculturality as a distinct value and evaluation category – in the City of Subotica’s public call for co-financing cultural projects.

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In response to Klara i Rosa’s invitation, more than ten organizations, initiatives, and individuals active in the fields of culture, education, and civil society have joined the initiative. A joint document was submitted to the City Administration of Subotica on Monday, October 6, addressed to the Mayor, providing a detailed explanation of the importance of integrating interculturality into local mechanisms for supporting culture.

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The following formulation was proposed for inclusion in the section Criteria and Measures of the call documentation:

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6. Interculturality / The project contributes to intercultural dialogue, the inclusion of diverse ethnic, linguistic, generational, geographical, and social groups, and nurtures the values of mutual respect, cooperation, solidarity, and exchange.

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The initiative is based on the idea that Subotica, as one of the founding members of the European Intercultural Cities Network (Council of Europe), should also recognize and encourage programs that connect different communities, generations, and social groups through its public funding mechanisms.

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It is particularly important to understand interculturality in a broader sense – as a space where various forms of diversity meet, not only national or linguistic ones. It also implies connecting different generations, experiences, identities, social backgrounds, and life stories through shared cultural creation and engagement.

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The document highlights that there are already many examples of intercultural programs in Subotica’s cultural institutions – such as the City Library, the Modern Gallery, and the National Theatre – but that introducing this criterion would also strengthen the independent cultural scene, allowing associations and initiatives to develop intercultural approaches in a more systematic way.

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As stated in the document, introducing the interculturality criterion “would not merely represent a formal step forward, but a clear signal that Subotica is ready to systematically support culture that connects, empowers diversity, and responds to the real needs of the community.”

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The initiative was signed by: Klara i Rosa, Center for Local Democracy, Volunteer Center of Vojvodina (Subotica office), Subotica branch of the Novi Sad-based Association ‘Women’s Studies and Research’, ETNOLIFE, Iuventus Ventus, Innovative Network, Educational House, Association Together, Educational Center Roma, Asylum Protection Center (APC), Local Initiative for Refugees, and the Theatre Association Summer Cinema / Nyári Mozi Színházi Közösség.

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With this initiative, we jointly aim to promote a broader understanding of culture as a space of encounter, dialogue, and solidarity, and to emphasize the importance of interculturality as one of the core values of our city.