Exit Festival, one of Europe’s largest music celebrations, has announced that its upcoming 25th anniversary edition, scheduled to occur from July 10 to 13, 2024, will be the last held in Serbia. The decision comes in light of claims by the festival’s organizers that "undemocratic pressures" from Serbian authorities have resulted in the curtailment of essential funding. The festival, which saw 200,000 attendees last year, has historically supported a pro-democracy message, dating back to its inception during the 2000 protests that helped end Slobodan Milosevic’s regime.
Recent developments began after a tragic incident last November at Novi Sad railway station, where 16 lives were lost due to a concrete structure collapse. In the wake of this disaster, students initiated protests demanding accountability and reform, to which Exit responded by providing support and resources, along with active participation in demonstrations. Consequently, some sponsors reportedly withdrew their support under alleged state pressure, while provincial culture officials claim financial constraints were to blame for the funding cuts.
Dusan Kovacevic, the festival’s founder, articulated the profound impact of these events, emphasizing the phrase, "Freedom has no price," while lamenting the festival's financial difficulties. He called upon supporters to remember Exit for its principles of love and unity, transcending the circumstances leading to its departure. Uncertainty looms over whether the festival will relocate, but its legacy in promoting Serbia's creative scene and international perception remains indelible.
The festival has previously featured major acts such as The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Cure, and has garnered two European festival of the year awards. As it reflects on its impactful journey, Exit stands at a crossroads, tackling the implications of government oversight and censorship in the arts, amid a vibrant nexus of music, culture, and societal change.
