Grand Prize for “They Are All Gone” and the “Luran Ahmeti” Award for Mirjana Karanović at the 20th SKUPI Festival

House News

Heartefact’s production “They Are All Gone”, co-produced with Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR, written by Doruntina Basha and directed by Andrej Nosov, has received two awards at the 20th anniversary edition of the international SKUPI Festival, held from 10 to 17 October at the Albanian Theatre in Skopje. The production won the Grand Prize for Best Performance, while Mirjana Karanović received the “Luran Ahmeti” Award for her outstanding portrayal of Sadika.

The jury, composed of Vesna Kusleska, Merita Çoçoli and Anisa Ismaili, evaluated eight productions from Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Poland, Moldova, Türkiye and Bulgaria. These two festival awards are an important recognition of a production that explores the legacy of war and its lasting consequences across the former Yugoslavia through an intimate story of loss, memory and life after trauma.

At the heart of “They Are All Gone“ is Sadika, a woman who tries to hold on to what she has lost through memories and objects. Her story speaks of lives cut short, families torn apart and futures that never came to be. As she struggles to preserve her memories, the production asks what it means to survive and what life looks like when the fear of forgetting is always present.

The cast features Mirjana Karanović, Svetozar Cvetković and Alban Ukaj, alongside Maja Salkić, Davor Sabo, Kemal Rizvanović, Matea Mavrak, Hana Zrno, Sanin Milavić, Faruk Hajdarević, Alen Konjicija, Natalija Dmitrijeva and Dino Hamidović.

The production emerged from an international collaboration between Heartefact, Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR and the organisation My Balkans, with support from Ibsen Scope in Norway and the Allianz Foundation in Germany. It has been performed in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Norway, the United States and North Macedonia, and is part of the regular repertoire at Heartefact House.

Audiences in Belgrade will have the opportunity to see “They Are All Gone” on 12, 13 and 14 November at Heartefact House, with performances beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are available through the Tickets.rs website and at all Tickets.rs sales outlets. The performance is in Serbian with a possibility of English subtitles.

Photo: Nebojša Babić

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Grand Prize for “They Are All Gone” and the “Luran Ahmeti” Award for Mirjana Karanović at the 20th SKUPI Festival

The production won the Grand Prize for Best Performance, while Mirjana Karanović received the “Luran Ahmeti” Award for her outstanding portrayal of Sadika.

They Are All Gone Directed by Andrej Nosov Performed at the International Theatre Festival MESS in Sarajevo

The production They Are All Gone, written by Doruntina Basha and directed by Andrej Nosov, was performed on 10 October as part of the 66th International Theatre Festival MESS in Sarajevo, one of the most prominent and longest-running international theatre festivals in this part of Europe. The cast includes Mirjana Karanović, Svetozar Cvetković, Alban Ukaj, and others.

Award-winning Heartefact production How I Learned to Drive presented at TXT Festival in Naples

Heartefact’s production How I Learned to Drive was presented in Naples this weekend as part of the first international edition of TXT Festival, held under the motto “The Pleasure of the Text.” The festival was founded by Pier Lorenzo Pisano, Italian writer, dramaturg and director, and Artistic Director at Teatro di Napoli – Teatro Nazionale.

Boost Grants: Building stronger ways of working

For many independent cultural organizations in North Macedonia, this question comes after years of creating programmes, building audiences, and responding to the needs of their communities. As their activities expand, so do the demands behind the scenes: coordinating people, managing finances, defining responsibilities, documenting processes, and planning beyond the next project.

“Buried Wonders” at Hartefact House on 7, 8 and 9 October

What remains of love as time passes? How much can we trust our own memories, and do we remember events as they really happened, or do we gradually turn them into our own version of the past? These are some of the questions explored in the multimedia performance Buried Wonders, which will be presented at Hartefact House on 7, 8 and 9 October at 8 PM.

Mentorship for Stronger and More Sustainable Organizations

As part of the Institutional Grant scheme and with the support of Helvetas, the Mentorship Program brought together six experts from the region and provided support to five local cultural organizations: Centre for Contemporary Arts (CAC), LOKOMOTIVA, TiiiT! Inc., KONTRAPUNKT, and Faculty of Things That Cannot Be Learned (FRU).

Meet the Four New Participants of the Kosovo-Serbia Fellowship

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Second Sarajevo Theatre Showcase: Seven productions from the region presented to the European theatre community

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Interaction

A documentary festival that pulls the world toward a small town in western Serbia and the work of building an organisation strong enough to keep it there

Artistic Grants: When Art Becomes a Space for Encounter

Spanning four areas — Performing Arts; Research, Critical and Alternative Cultural Practices; Community and Public Space Cultural Practices; and Youth Empowerment and Inclusive Creative Production – the projects bring different artistic practices, communities and perspectives into the same conversation.

The Second Cultural Nexus Held: Independent Voices, Shared Futures

The conference brought together artists, cultural workers, and organisations from Serbia, Belgium, Portugal, the UK, Switzerland, Croatia, and Slovenia, creating space to share experiences and turn them into transferable knowledge.

Rebirth of Forbidden Histories launched in Belgrade

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Queer Art Showcase: Eight Stories by Regional Artists Taking Shape

The regional Queer Art Showcase, where eight artists from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia presented work-in-progress projects they had been developing over the previous six months as part of the Queer Art Academy was held in Belgrade.

From Heartefact’s Playwriting Competition to the Stage: “The Woman Ties the Ponytail” Premieres at Belgrade Drama Theatre

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Cultural Nexus: Independent Voices, Shared Futures

This year’s programme brings together participants from Belgium, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Croatia and Slovenia, who will discuss with colleagues from Serbia questions shared by many independent cultural scenes: how to create and sustain cultural infrastructure where there is none, how to build relationships with communities that remain outside the dominant cultural system, and how artistic work can bring about change that extends beyond a single project.

For the Third Consecutive Year, Heartefact Takes a Group of Young People from Serbia to DokuFest

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Rehearsals Begin at Heartefact House for a New Swedish Co-Production Directed by Andrej Nosov, Starring Swedish Actor Nils Wetterholm

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Legacy of Resistance

Rather than staging resistance as spectacle, the piece asks who the “small people” behind the “big protests” really are, and how ordinary participation has shaped both individuals and society.

Building Strong Organizations Means Building a Stronger Cultural Sector

One of the biggest differences the organizations describe is having the opportunity to focus on themselves, not only on the next project. Several organizations also spoke about something less tangible but equally valuable: time.

Culture for Democracy: Organizations Supported through the Job Shadowing Call 2026

As part of the Swiss-supported Culture for Democracy (CfD) project, Heartefact launched the Job Shadowing call 2026, aimed at strengthening the capacities of independent cultural organizations through knowledge exchange, practical learning and professional development.

Awarded 9 Grants under the Human Rights Leadership Program for 2026

As part of the third cycle of the Human Rights Leadership Program, running from 2024 to 2026, Heartefact has awarded nine new grants to organizations across Serbia working on the protection and promotion of human rights of marginalized and minority communities.

On Wounded Spaces, Emerging Culture of Remembrance, and a European Metropolis during War

Less than a month after my visit, the places where I had watched films, attended theatre performances, exchanged ideas, and formed friendships – were damaged, destroyed, or no longer exist.

Learning That Stays: How Job Shadowing Helps Cultural Organizations in North Macedonia Grow

Instead of offering a standard training model, the programme supports cultural organizations in developing the capacities they identify as most important for their own future. The first completed grants show just how different, and how practical, those learning journeys can be.

Participants Selected for the Residency Programme in Kutná Hora, Czechia

The residency offers emerging playwrights from Central and Eastern Europe dedicated time and support to develop new dramatic works, while fostering artistic exchange and regional collaboration.

Bringing Divided Communities Back Together In The Balkans

Andrej Nosov for the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts reflects on the potential of the arts to heal old wounds.

This June, Heartefact House celebrates its fourth anniversary!

Heartefact House officially opened in June 2022 with the premiere of Our Son. After more than ten years of staging productions in various theatres and venues, Heartefact’s performances finally found a permanent home on their own chamber stage in an apartment at 7 Bulevar despota Stefana.

Join the webinar on socially engaged arts – the Alliance of Socially Engaged Arts presents the “Constellations of Change” report

The Alliance will be hosting a free webinar to explore: key findings from our four-month research process into the practices, business models, trends and emerging futures of socially engaged arts organisations; recommendations for policymakers and funders across Europe; case studies of change catalysed by socially engaged arts organisations from across the Council of Europe; insights from guest speakers; and an opportunity to join the discussion via a Q&A.

Annual Gathering of the Human Rights Leadership Program Alumni Community

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Open Call For Participation In The Dokufest Visiting Program 2026

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No Apologies! Balkan Tour: What if Kurt Cobain had been a trans woman?

Bringing the performance to the Western Balkans carried particular significance. In a region where queer and trans communities continue to face exclusion and limited visibility, No Apologies! offered a space where these experiences were not explained or defended but lived and shared.

Hamam Internacionala – Under the Domes

Hamam Internacionala – Under the Domes is a transnational artistic project that traces this lost geography of togetherness: from Debar, Skopje, and Tetovo, through Prizren, Peć, and Pristina, to Mostar, Stolac, Sarajevo, Vranje, Niš, Novi Pazar, and Belgrade.

Supporting Albanian-Language Playwrights: The Playground Mentorship Programme Begins

Following a highly competitive open call and selection process earlier this year, Fatbardha Zyberi and Ardit Dragusha have been selected to develop their original dramatic texts through the programme.

No Apologies! in Belgrade: Heartefact and Atelje 212 present a performance about memory, music and queer histories

This June 9, Heartefact and Atelje 212 present No Apologies! in Belgrade, bringing the internationally acclaimed performance by Emma Frankland to local audiences. The Belgrade presentation will take place within the programme of Mucijevi dani, adding a contemporary performance work to this year’s festival programme.

No Apologies! in Skopje: a gathering of the queer communityaround performance, visibility and alternative archives

This June, Heartefact brings No Apologies! to Skopje, presenting the internationally acclaimed performance by Emma Frankland as part of the No Apologies! Balkan tour.

Open call for the residency programme in kutná hora, Czechia

The residency will take place in September 2026 and will culminate in a presentation of short works during the international Divadelní festival Kutná Hora (Kutná Hora Performing Arts Festival).

Call for Applications for Job Shadowing Program

Job shadowing aims to build capacities of cultural and artistic professionals in Serbia by providing grants for on-the-job training and learning from practice. This scheme is open to all cultural and artistic sectors, approaches, and work modalities.

Serbian journalists visit Pristina: exchange and strengthening of regional cooperation

Over the course of four days, journalists from Serbia had the opportunity to get to know Kosovo’s media landscape, speak with colleagues from different media, and gain broader insight into the social and political context in which media in Kosovo operate.

No Apologies! comes to Prishtina: Emma Frankland’s acclaimed queer performance arrives at Termokiss

This June, Heartefact brings No Apologies! to Prishtina, presenting the internationally acclaimed performance by Emma Frankland at Termokiss on June 3.

Heartefact brings No Apologies! to the Balkans — a live collision of music, memory and performance

At its centre is a direct and uncompromising focus on identity through queer and trans experience. The piece uses Nirvana’s 1993 MTV Unplugged concert as a starting point, not as nostalgia but as material to be broken apart and reassembled into something immediate.

South-East Satellite BEYOND Brings Europe and the Western Balkans Together in Skopje

Following the Culture for Development Forum held on 13–14 May, the dialogue on the future of independent culture continued in Skopje with the South-East Satellite BEYOND conference.

European and Regional Cultural Actors Gathered in Skopje

For two days, on May 13 and 14, Skopje became a meeting point for artists, cultural workers, activists, and international cultural networks from North Macedonia, the region, and across Europe through the Culture for Development Forum, organized by Heartefact in collaboration with Clubture, Kooperativa, A25 Cultural Foundation, and Euradia.

Three cultural advocacy projects selected for support through the Advocacy Grants Scheme

The supported initiatives focus on improving the conditions for independent cultural work by addressing issues such as access to cultural infrastructure, funding frameworks, and inclusive cultural spaces.

A Triumph for Heartefact in Rijeka

Heartefact performed How I Learned to Drive on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as part of the International Small Scenes Festival in Rijeka, where the production won awards in five categories: Best Director (Tara Manić), Best Actor (Svetozar Cvetković), Best Young Actress (Marta Bogosavljević), Best Overall Performance, and the Audience Award.

Norwegian Premiere of “They are All Gone” at the International Ibsen Scope Festival

Heartefact House presented “They are All Gone” in Norway for the first time as part of the two-day international Ibsen Scope festival in Skien, Henrik Ibsen’s hometown. On May 7, audiences followed Sadika’s story in two performances, a tale of memory, forgetting, loss, and hope.

The launch of the Queer Art Academy program in Belgrade

The first segment of the Queer Art Academy program took place from April 14 to 19, 2026, in Belgrade, at Hartefakt House, marking the beginning of a multi-month process.

Dialogue and Exchange: Building a shared foundation for a stronger voice of the Independent cultural scene

This spring, Skopje will host a vital gathering through the Culture for Development Forum and BEYOND: South-East Satellite, organized by Heartefactand the leading European cultural network, Culture Action Europe (CAE).

New Encounters in Pristina: Launch of the New Generation of the Kosovo–Serbia Fellowship Program

On April 1, the new generation of participants in the Kosovo–Serbia Fellowship Program within the broader Reconnection program gathered in Priština for a kick-off event.

Building Bridges Through Media: The Kosovo-Serbia Visiting Program

Over the course of four days, journalists from Kosovo met with colleagues from various Serbian media outlets, ranging from established newsrooms to independent platforms.

Uncle’s Abuse During Driving Lessons: Italian La Lettura on the play “How I learned to Drive”

“I directed this text through my own dilemmas and experiences, and through reconsidering my position as someone who has sometimes enabled forms of violence I witnessed.”

Heartefact Returns to the Milan Triennale – “How I Learned to Drive” on Stage for Italian Audiences

Hartefakt once again had the opportunity to present itself to the Italian audience within the Triennale di Milano, performing the play How I Learned to Drive in four showings: March 28 at 6 PM and 9 PM, and March 29 at 6 PM and 9 PM.

Introducing the New Cohort: Five Kosovo-Serbia Research Fellows Selected

As part of the new generation of the Kosovo-Serbia Fellowship Program, Heartefact has selected five fellows who will explore new and constructive narratives in the region. This cycle focuses on topics such as women’s rights, transitional justice, media narratives, social movements, and mental health.

Beyond Borders: Join Us in Shaping the Future of Independent Culture in Skopje 2026

Skopje is set to become a vibrant hub for culture dialogue this spring.

Open Call for Playwrights: Playground for Emerging Playwrights – Kosovo

Playground for Emerging Playwrights is a mentorship-driven development program dedicated to supporting talented Albanian-language playwrights from Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania.

The Regional VIBE Program Continues to Connect Young People: Visits in Podgorica, Belgrade, and Tirana

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“Quiet Hours from Two to Six” – A New Play on the Heartefact House Repertoire

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

Within the second call of the Kultura za demokratiju – Culture for Democracy (CfD) project, 18 projects have been selected to receive support through this grant line, with a total value of 195,000 euros (23,000,000 dinars).

Call for Concept Notes: BOOST GRANTS (Republic of North Macedonia)

The Culture for Development project is launching the Boost Grants Scheme Call for project proposals to support cultural and artistic civil society organizations in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Extended Application Deadline for Queer Art Academy Program

Heartefact invites emerging queer artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia to apply for the regional program Queer Art Academy.

CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS: GRANTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

The Culture for Development project has launched the Job Shadowing Scheme Call for project proposals to allocate grants for the implementation of a capacity-building initiative that offers structured knowledge transfer. The objective of this call is to build the capacities of cultural and artistic professionals and organizations in the Republic of North Macedonia by offering them hands-on, on-the-job training opportunities through learning from practice.

Director Tara Mitrović at the Playground Residency in London

Our young director Tara Mitrović is currently in London, where she is taking part in a seven-day residency exploring a new original work she developed in collaboration with dramaturg and writer Sofija Dimitrijević.

Audience Development Workshop was held in Veles

On 18–19 December 2025, cultural workers from the independent scene in North Macedonia gathered in Veles for an intensive two-day Audience Development Workshop.

Human Rights Leadership Program Seminar Was Held

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Call for Project Proposals: Grants for the Implementation of Artistic Projects by Young and/or Emerging Artists (My First Time)

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Call for Project Proposals: Artistic Grants for the Implementation of Cultural and Artistic Projects

As part of the Culture for Democracy (CfD) project, Heartefact is announcing a call for proposals for the implementation of cultural and artistic projects that contribute to the development of society, local communities, and contemporary cultural-artistic practices of the independent sector in Serbia.

Heartefact’s Kosovo-Serbia Visiting Program in Pristina from December 3 to 6

From 3rd-6th of December 2025, Heartefact organized the Kosovo–Serbia Visiting Program, held in Pristina, Kosovo. The program brought together participants from Serbia – psychologists, psychotherapists, artists, political science students, and activists – for a four-day visit focused on regional cooperation in the context of women’s rights, minority rights, and transitional justice.

Heartefact’s Play “They Are All Gone” Directed by Andrej Nosov Premieres in New York

After its Belgrade premiere in May this year at the Heartefact House and its Sarajevo premiere in November at the Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR, the play “They Are All Gone”, written by Doruntina Basha and directed by Andrej Nosov, had its New York premiere from December 4 to 7, 2025 — with as many as five performances.

OPEN CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS: Audience Development Workshop

Heartefact invites cultural workers from the independent scene from North Macedonia to apply for a two-day workshop focused on practical audience development skills. This activity is supported by the Culture for Development project of the Government of Switzerland and is implemented by Heartefact Fund.

Premiere of the play “Art&Money” at Heartefact House

On Thursday, November 27, the play “Art&Money” premiered at Heartefact House in Belgrade. Written and directed by Swedish artist Freja Hallberg, and performed by actresses Vanja Ejdus and Milica Stefanović, the play tells the story of an impossible love affair between art and capital—of loneliness and the quiet cruelty of needing something you cannot live with.

Premiere of the play “Art&Money” by Swedish director Freja Hallberg at Heartefact House

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We are looking for the Regional Communication Lead!

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Heartefact Fund is looking for the Financial and Administrative Grant Assistant!

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Sarajevo Premiere of the Play “They Are All Gone” Held at SARTR

Following its Belgrade premiere in May this year, the Sarajevo premiere of the play “They Are All Gone” by Doruntina Basha, directed by Andrej Nosov, was held on November 11 at the Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR. The production is part of the official program marking the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, through which SARTR and its partner organizations highlight the importance of remembrance culture and artistic testimony. Additional performances are scheduled for November 12 and 13.

Playground Workshop for the Development of the Play “Don’t Run Hamlet” by Francesca Garolla Held at Heartefact House

The Playground workshop for the development of a dramatic text was held in Belgrade, at Heartefact House, from November 3 to November 9, 2025. The workshop was led by actress and professor of acting Marija Milenković, with director Patrik Lazić accompanying and facilitating the process. The workshop focused on developing the new play by Italian playwright Francesca Garolla.

Playground Workshop for the Development of the Play “…lead us not into temptation…” by Mark Oltean Held at Heartefact House

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Open Call: Internship at Heartefact Institute

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In Belgrade, we brought together activists from Kosovo during a four-day visit dedicated to women’s rights!

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12th Bašta Fest: All we need — connection, dialogue, and art!

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Strengthening the Independent Cultural Scene – the public discussion held in Skopje

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CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS: ADVOCACY GRANTS (REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

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Open Application Call for Kosovo–Serbia Bridge Fellowship Program

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Young People from Serbia Explore Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Novi Pazar through the Regional VIBE Program

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Workshop “Personal Story as the Inspiration for a Theatre Play” Held at Heartefact House

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Pančevo Film Festival: Brave Cinematic Voices Driving Social Change

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CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS: GRANTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC PROJECTS (REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

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Culture for Democracy: Supported Projects within the Boost Grants Call

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Radical Optimism from a Kosovar Hill — an original text by director Tara Manić about Dua Lipa’s concert in Pristina

We are publishing the original text “Radical Optimism from a Kosovar Hill” by director Tara Manić, first released on September 4 in Nedeljnik. Tara wrote the text upon her return from Pristina, where, as part of our Kosovo–Serbia Visiting Program, she attended a concert of today’s major pop star — Dua Lipa. We are sharing the text in full.

The final networking event of the project Voices from the margins was held

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CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS: INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT GRANTS (REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

The Culture for Development project is announcing the second Call for Institutional Grants Scheme to support well-established cultural organizations in the Republic of North Macedonia. The objective of this call is to strengthen the organizational and financial capacities of these organizations by providing financial resources, infrastructural support and capacity building activities. This intervention seeks to enhance organizational stability, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience within the cultural sector.

The First Sarajevo Theatre Showcase Presented Numerous Young Artists to the Regional and European Theatre Public

From September 12 to 15, Sarajevo hosted the first edition of the Sarajevo Theatre Showcase, an annual professional event that provides a significant development platform for theatre professionals from Southeast Europe. The Showcase is organized by cultural organizations and theatres from five countries: Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR, Heartefact from Serbia, Ulysses Theatre from Croatia, Binario Vivo from Italy, Para Film&Theatre from Norway, and Realstage from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Exhibition of Personal Stories from Marginalized Communities “There’s Room for Everyone” Opened at Heartefact House

The exhibition “There’s Room for Everyone”, part of the campaign of the same name, was officially opened on Thursday, September 4, in the lobby of Heartefact House and will be available to visitors until the end of September. Photographs of various marginalized communities in Serbia, staged inside an elevator, are accompanied by personal testimonies of participants, highlighting that diversity should not be a reason for exclusion, but rather an opportunity for solidarity.

Students from Serbia visited the Short Theatre Festival in Rome within the European project Fabulamundi – New Voices

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The project “Culture for Development” announces to the public the names of the projects that received support within the first call!

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.