Project description: The Alternative Cultural Centre “Gnezdo” is an independent space for young people and contemporary culture in Kruševac. The Culture for Democracy project supported the realisation of the three-day Gnezdo Fest programme, which brought the city to life and attracted citizens of all generations. The festival was designed as a diverse local cultural programme, including children’s acting workshops, performances, music programmes, lectures, sandcastle-building competitions, and other activities. The workshops generated particular interest among children from the surrounding neighbourhood, who joined the programme and became active participants. The festival also received positive feedback from the Bivolje community, including older residents who had never previously attended programmes at AKC Gnezdo but regularly visit the nearby beach. The acting workshops organised by the New Forms Association included children aged 7 to 10. A distinctive feature of the workshop was that it also took place in the water, making use of the specific potential of the festival location. The performance I Wander and Wonder by the Association for Support to Persons with Autism brought public attention to the challenges faced by people with autism. The music programme, featuring three local DJs and local brands Enum, XI, and Ludwig, attracted an older audience as well. Visitors also had the opportunity to see the exhibition Synthetic Spells by French artist Nicolas Lefebvre, who is based in Kruševac. In addition to the memories created by the festival, a lasting mark on the city remains in the form of a mural created by artists Marija and Stevan Šoln, inspired by the book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
The festival contributed to stronger connections among actors of the local independent cultural scene, and plans are underway for it to take place again the following year.
Grant amount: 1,500,000.00 RSD
