ECHOES OF COEXISTENCE: CALL FOR RESEARCHERS
Project: Echoes of Coexistence: Mapping the Intercultural Heritage of Subotica and Novi Sad Partners: Klara i Rosa (Subotica) and Youth Center CK13 (Novi Sad) Duration of engagement: 2 months Locations: Subotica and Novi Sad Number of researchers: 4 (2 in Subotica and 2 in Novi Sad)
.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Subotica and Novi Sad have a rich history of multiculturalism and coexistence among Serbian, Hungarian, Croatian, Slovak, Roma, and other communities. This diversity has been reflected in everyday life, artistic scenes, languages, encounters in public spaces, and shared cultural practices. However, the rise of exclusionary narratives, community fragmentation, and the neglect of informal, non-codified cultural heritage have led to the disappearance of places and practices of intercultural exchange. Many galleries, cafés, clubs, alternative art scenes—as well as the stories and people who shaped the intercultural spirit of Vojvodina—are today invisible or silenced.
.
This project aims to reconstruct and preserve the echoes of intercultural dialogue, to map traces and memories that exist outside institutional definitions of heritage, and to make them creatively accessible through physical and digital formats, including cultural tours, audio soundwalks, public discussions, and a digital map. The project is grounded in the principle that heritage is polyphonic, living, and shared—rather than commercialized or confined to rigid canons. Accordingly, it involves young researchers and local communities, as well as contemporary critical and feminist approaches to art, geocultural narratology, and cultural memory.
.
The scope of the research includes contemporary literature by Vojvodina’s Hungarian, Croatian, and Serbian authors, as well as the neo-avant-garde art scene—covering theatre, visual arts, music, literature, and philosophy. Special focus is placed on artists from Novi Sad and Subotica who maintained a critical relationship with cultural tradition, explored the complexity of cultural identity, and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.
.
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCHER ENGAGEMENT:
Researching and mapping intercultural practices, places, and stories in Subotica and Novi Sad through archival research, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participatory mapping, and analysis of contemporary and historical art scenes. The collected materials will serve as the basis for creating city soundwalks and organizing public presentations in both cities.
.
SCOPE OF WORK
.
The researcher will be responsible for::
.
1. Archival Research
Identifying neglected or “erased” spaces of interculturality
Reviewing journals, collections, local archives, and artistic documentation
Collecting data on neo-avant-garde and experimental art practices in Subotica and Novi Sad
.
2. Field Research
.
Conducting 15–25 semi-structured interviews with artists, experts, activists, residents, and former scene participants (7–10 in Subotica and 7–10 in Novi Sad)
Organizing focus groups within local communities
3. Participatory Mapping and Narrative Analysis
.
Recording micro-stories and memories connected to specific places
Identifying “silent” and invisible traces of interculturality
Categorizing collected material for creative interpretation
DELIVERABLES A short research plan A database (interviews, locations, archival materials) A research report (approx. 15–20 pages) – synthesis of findings A proposal of narrative lines for city soundwalks – at least 12 mapped locations with stories (6 in Subotica, 6 in Novi Sad) Participation in a public presentation of the results
.
METHODOLOGY BASED ON:
Qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participatory mapping, and analysis of archival sources Principles of feminist critical theory and horizontal work, including intersectionality, a critical approach to dominant narratives, cultural canons and the institutions that produce them, valuing the voices of marginalized and invisible communities, co-production of knowledge, and researcher reflexivity
Creative and narrative techniques, including storytelling, geonarratology, and narrative cartography Co-creation with young people and ethical guidelines covering informed consent, privacy protection, process transparency, feedback to communities, and respect for cultural differences
.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates should have: Experience in qualitative research or cultural studies Knowledge in the fields of art, anthropology, sociology, cultural history, literature, or related disciplines
Interest in interculturality, memory, feminist approaches, alternative art practices, local history, or minority studies Ability to work independently and communicate with communities
ENGAGEMENT PERIOD AND DEADLINES Engagement period: 15 January – 15 March 2026 Application deadline: 30 December 2025 Completion of research and data collection: 28 February 2026 Submission of deliverables: 15 March 2026 Public presentation: Summer 2026 Selected researchers will sign an engagement contract
HOW TO APPLY Send a short motivation letter and CV (free format) no later than 15 January to: SUBOTICA: klarairosa@gmail.com NOVI SAD: office@ck13.space Please include in the email subject line: Application for Research Engagement
.
BOOST is a regional project that strengthens civil society in the Western Balkans through support for youth, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, culture, and community development. The project is implemented by Klara i Rosa and CK13 as part of a program coordinated by ALDA, with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD).
