The renowned Exit music festival, a hallmark of Serbia's cultural scene, is set to leave the country after 25 years due to political pressures linked to its backing of student-led demonstrations against corruption. Organizers reveal that state-funded support has been withdrawn, significantly impacting the festival's future.
Exit Music Festival Exits Serbia Amid Government Pressure Following Student Protest Support
Exit Music Festival Exits Serbia Amid Government Pressure Following Student Protest Support
Iconic festival withdraws after authorities cut funding and sponsors, citing support for anti-corruption protests.
One of Europe’s most celebrated music events, the Exit festival, announces its departure from Serbia amidst escalating governmental pressures. Organizers attribute the decision to "undemocratic pressures," as the festival prepares for its 25th and final edition in Novi Sad, scheduled for July 10-13. Following the festival's vocal support for a student-led anti-corruption protest movement, Serbian authorities have terminated government funding, leading to a withdrawal of sponsors under alleged state coercion.
Officials from the provincial culture secretariat deny these accusations, stating financial constraints have hindered their ability to provide necessary backing for the festival. The Exit festival, which welcomed over 200,000 attendees last year, is historically rooted in the pro-democracy movement that helped overthrow Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Each installment of the festival carries a thematic message championing various social causes, from human trafficking awareness to LGBTQ+ rights.
Triggered by a tragic collapse in November that resulted in 16 fatalities at a local railway station, students mobilized protests which the festival notably supported. This assistance included joining marches and offering resources such as food and supplies, significantly impacting the festival’s financial stability. Founder Dusan Kovacevic emphasized that "freedom has no price," echoing the festival's commitment to activism.
In their announcement regarding the withdrawal after a quarter-century, Kovacevic urged fans to remember Exit for its values of unity, love, and freedom. As plans for relocating the festival remain uncertain, discussions emerge about its legacy in promoting Serbia's creative landscape.
Renowned international artists such as The Prodigy and The Sex Pistols have graced the festival stage over the years, contributing to its reputation as a premier event in Europe, winning accolades as Festival of the Year. Local music label manager Daryl Fidelak reflects on Exit’s transformative influence, stating it has not only reshaped Serbia's live music scene but has also altered international perceptions, attracting a global audience to the country’s cultural offerings.
