Rebirth of Forbidden Histories launched in Belgrade

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The Rebirth of Forbidden Histories (RoFH) project began with a launching programme held in Belgrade, Serbia, from 1 to 4 September 2026, comprising a public event, accompanying activities and an internal partner meeting. The project brings together seven organisations from six Western Balkan countries to uncover overlooked queer histories of the 20th century through research, a digital archive and public artistic tours. By addressing the exclusion of LGBTIQ+ experiences from mainstream accounts of the past, it will support recognition of these communities and a more inclusive understanding of the region’s shared history.

Across the Western Balkans, remembrance of the Second World War, authoritarianism and the conflicts of the 1990s remains fragmented and frequently shaped by ethnically exclusive narratives. RoFH explores histories of queer persecution under fascist, Nazi and other authoritarian regimes, including the imprisonment and deaths of gay men in Nazi concentration camps, and their marginalisation in post-war memory. It also addresses LGBTIQ+ experiences during the conflicts of the 1990s, including their contributions to anti-war resistance, feminist organising and solidarity across national and ethnic divisions.

The public event connected artists, researchers, activists, educators and cultural workers. The programme introduced the project’s objectives, methodology and planned activities, followed by discussions on memory, contested histories and public narratives. A participatory session invited participants to share perspectives on underrepresented histories and approaches to remembrance, generating input for subsequent activities. Regional queer artists presented works and projects in progress, creating opportunities for exchange and collaboration. Participants also attended Poša at the Little Theatre “Duško Radović” during Belgrade Pride Week. The performance explores intersecting trans and Roma identities in the Balkans, reflecting the project’s focus on marginalised experiences. The programme concluded with a joint reflection and an introduction to opportunities for further engagement.

The public event brought together 115 participants: 64 women, 48 men and 3 non-binary people, from Serbia (94), Kosovo (3), Croatia (3), Bosnia and Herzegovina (8), North Macedonia (4) and Montenegro (3).

The internal partner meeting gathered 20 partner representatives to discuss methodology, responsibilities, coordination, financial procedures and next steps, and established the Interdisciplinary Memory Council.

Led by Heartefact, the partnership includes Group COME OUT, Youth Initiative for Human Rights Croatia, Juventas, Kontakt, Coalition MARGINS and Youth Initiative for Human Rights Kosovo.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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The grants for cultural and artistic projects are awarded for the development and implementation of socially relevant contemporary art projects that contribute to the enrichment of culture and promote diversity in artistic practices and expressions, address critical social issues, and encourage community development.

Young Artists and Activists from Serbia Visited Festivals in Pristina and Prizren as Part of Heartefact’s Visiting Program

As part of Heartefact’s Kosovo–Serbia Visiting Program, we organized a visit in early August to festivals in Pristina and Prizren for a group of young artists and activists from Serbia. During the visit, the participants had the opportunity to attend three major cultural events in Kosovo – the 24th edition of the DokuFest International Documentary Film Festival in Prizren, the 6th edition of the Sunny Hill music festival in Pristina, and the 5th edition of the Autostrada Biennale, an international contemporary art festival.

OPEN CALL: GRANTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING (REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

Public presentation of the play Doughnuts held as part of the New Voices workshop

On Sunday, July 6, a public presentation of the play Doughnuts (Buhtle) was held at Heartefact House, marking the conclusion of the four-day Playground for New Voices workshop. The workshop took place within the European project Fabulamundi: New Voices, which Heartefact implements with partners from nine European countries. It was led by director and playwright Patrik Lazić, in collaboration with emerging playwright Jelena Krdžavac, the acting ensemble, and translator Olja Petronić.

Exploring and developing contemporary drama through process: Doughnuts by Jelena Krdžavac in the spotlight of the Playground workshop

As part of the Fabulamundi project, implemented by Heartefact in collaboration with partners from nine European countries, the Playground workshop is taking place in Belgrade from July 3 to 6. Led by director and playwright Patrik Lazić, the workshop brings together a cast of actors and emerging playwright Jelena Krdžavac to explore and further develop her play Doughnuts (Buhtle), which was shortlisted in last year’s Heartefact Competition for Best Contemporary Socially Engaged Drama.

Culture for Democracy: Supported Projects within the Call for Cultural and Artistic Project Implementation in Serbia

An exceptional response—totaling 273 applications—reflects the critical position of the cultural sector in Serbia in the context of the current political and social climate. Based on the Commission’s evaluation, 22 projects have been selected for support, with a total budget of 21,500,000.00 RSD. Although this amount exceeds the originally planned budget for this call, we believe that, amid the ongoing crisis and with public calls for cultural funding either canceled or indefinitely postponed, such support is more necessary than ever.

Artistic Residency and Public Presentation of Gaelle Axelbrun’s Play Held as Part of the Playground Project

From June 22 to 28, 2025, an artistic residency of French playwright Gaelle Axelbrun took place at Heartefact House in Belgrade, as part of the European project Playground. During this intensive seven-day working period, Gaelle, together with director Tara Manić, translator Olja Petronić, and the acting ensemble—Nevena Kočović, Jana Bjelica, and Andrej Nježić—explored the dramaturgical and performative potential of her play Far from the Mud in Which We Sink into Sleep.

Residency of French Author Gaelle Axelbrun in Belgrade as Part of the Playground Project

From June 22 to 28, 2025, the Heartefact House in Belgrade will host a residency for French playwright Gaelle Axelbrun as part of the European project Playground. This intensive seven-day residency, organized by Heartefact, is part of an international collaboration focused on the development of contemporary dramatic texts by emerging European authors.

First Seminar for Youth from Serbia Held as Part of the Regional VIBE Program

From June 20 to 22, 2025, Heartefact organized a three-day seminar for young people from Serbia in Belgrade as part of the regional program VIBE – Connecting Young People. The program brings together youth from Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and exchange. Designed as a space for learning, dialogue, and connection, it focuses on human rights, regional cooperation, the shared history of the region, and reflections on the future that young people wish to shape through activism and civic engagement.