The prominent Exit festival, a key fixture in Serbia's music landscape, is set to host its last event in the country this July due to what organizers describe as "undemocratic pressures." Festival officials have raised concerns about the loss of government funding and the withdrawal of sponsors due to state intimidation, tied to the festival's backing of student-led anti-corruption protests in Serbia.
Taking place annually at the scenic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, the Exit festival has become a magnet for music lovers, attracting around 200,000 attendees in previous years. Its origins can be traced back to the pro-democracy movements that played a significant role in the downfall of former President Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Since then, the festival has embraced themes like "Stop Human Trafficking" and "Loud and Queer," maintaining its activist spirit.
The latest wave of student protests was ignited by a tragic incident last November when a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad railway station, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals. In solidarity, Exit festival not only participated in protests but also provided logistical support like food and sleeping bags for demonstrators, amplifying their messages through social media channels.
Dusan Kovacevic, the founder of Exit, expressed deep dismay at the festival's situation, emphasizing that "freedom has no price." His statement lamented the impending exit from Serbia and urged supporters to remember Exit for its legacy of unity and love. The festival, which has boasted performances by major acts like The White Stripes and The Prodigy, has won multiple awards for its contribution to Europe’s festival scene.
Music industry insiders note the pivotal role Exit has played in transforming Serbia's cultural image, attracting international visitors and inspiring the rise of other music events and festivals across the region.
Although this marks a definitive end for Exit in Serbia, the possibility of relocating to another country remains open, leaving speculation about where it could resurface next.
Taking place annually at the scenic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, the Exit festival has become a magnet for music lovers, attracting around 200,000 attendees in previous years. Its origins can be traced back to the pro-democracy movements that played a significant role in the downfall of former President Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Since then, the festival has embraced themes like "Stop Human Trafficking" and "Loud and Queer," maintaining its activist spirit.
The latest wave of student protests was ignited by a tragic incident last November when a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad railway station, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals. In solidarity, Exit festival not only participated in protests but also provided logistical support like food and sleeping bags for demonstrators, amplifying their messages through social media channels.
Dusan Kovacevic, the founder of Exit, expressed deep dismay at the festival's situation, emphasizing that "freedom has no price." His statement lamented the impending exit from Serbia and urged supporters to remember Exit for its legacy of unity and love. The festival, which has boasted performances by major acts like The White Stripes and The Prodigy, has won multiple awards for its contribution to Europe’s festival scene.
Music industry insiders note the pivotal role Exit has played in transforming Serbia's cultural image, attracting international visitors and inspiring the rise of other music events and festivals across the region.
Although this marks a definitive end for Exit in Serbia, the possibility of relocating to another country remains open, leaving speculation about where it could resurface next.
