On the Common: Culture Under Pressure, or Why Culture Concerns Everyone

Within the On the Common series, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM, at Klara i Rosa, we will host cultural workers and artists from Serbia and Subotica and open a conversation about the state of culture and education.

The image of Serbia today, seen through the lens of education and culture, appears worrying. Culture and art are not a luxury or an addition to society—they are its nervous system. They are the space where we learn to think, feel, and understand the world around us.

And yet, culture in Serbia has long been surviving without clear support or vision. Decisions are made in a centralized and non-transparent way, which makes it increasingly marginalized, voiceless, and vulnerable to political pressure. Within this space, various forms of pressure are present—from withholding funds and favoring those deemed compliant, to intimidation and discrediting.

We will discuss these topics together with representatives of the Community of Art and Culture (ZUK), an informal initiative that brings together cultural workers and advocates for artistic freedom, the protection of professional integrity, and a fairer cultural system.

Free entry

The On the Common series aims to educate, spark dialogue, exchange perspectives, listen, and reflect together. Through this program, we seek to strengthen a sense of community, encourage critical thinking, and share experiences, ideas, and practices—opening conversations around the issues and challenges present in our society and city.
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