Culture for Democracy


The Project supports the independent cultural sector to contribute to improved social cohesion and tolerance at the local level. Cultural actors will be provided with resources to unleash their potential for triggering critical thinking and dialogue around topics of immediate relevance for their communities, as well as for creating networks that will empower and enable them to uphold a stimulating space for promoting pluralistic values and inter-cultural dialogue in Serbia.

Región/País Tema Período Presupuesto
Serbia
Cultura / sensibilización al desarrollo
Governance
nothemedefined
Cultura y ocio
Participación democrática y sociedad civil
15.07.2020 - 28.02.2025
CHF  1’877’000
Contexto

Culture and art are crucial for fostering greater tolerance and social cohesion, open and inclusive societies, reconciliation and democracy. Due to years of transition, the potential of arts and culture has not been fully employed in Serbia. Public cultural institutions are heavily dependent on state funding and lack autonomy. Independent artistic expression remains undervalued, continuously losing its significance. The cultural scene remains challenged by restricted freedom of expression, lack of resources and by absence of space for gatherings.

In the given context, the independent cultural sector enables not only the development of the artistic and cultural scene, but also the strengthening of links between culture and education, democracy, and the overall social development.

Objetivos An independent and dynamic cultural sector contributes to improved social cohesion and tolerance at the local level.
Grupos destinarios Primary target group are cultural actors, outside of Belgrade including cultural professionals and artists, as well as cultural and artistic organizations/initiatives/associations, supported through grant schemes and capacity building program. Final beneficiaries are local communities, including vulnerable and minority groups, benefitting from quality cultural and artistic content enabled through the Project.
Efectos a medio plazo
  • Individual artistic and cultural actors unleash their potential for triggering critical thinking and dialogue around topics of immediate relevance for their communities.
  • Networks and cooperation arrangements empower and enable cultural actors to uphold a stimulating space for promoting pluralistic values and inter-cultural dialogue.
Resultados

Resultados previstos:   Independent cultural actors will be provided with resources to tackle topics relevant for their local communities through diversified cultural expression and socially responsible artistic production. In addition, they will be provided with opportunities for networking that will enable collaboration for exchanges, mutual learning and innovation. Capacities and skills of independent cultural actors to develop their programs, build organizational skills and increase visibility will also be addressed.


Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

The assessment conducted during the Inception phase confirmed that the independent cultural sector faces three main challenges: lack of funding, lack of networking and cooperation possibilities and lack of audience development. Cultural actors’ capacities to exercise their mandate remain low, both in financial and operational terms.

Cultural participation in the public cultural events by the local audience in Serbia has been decreasing in the last decade. Women, in particularly those who have higher education and live in urban areas, are more prone to cultural activities than men.


Dirección / Officina Federal responsable COSUDE
Contrapartes del proyecto Contraparte del contrato
ONG internacional o extranjera
Sector privado
  • Sector privado extranjero Sur/Este


Otras contrapartes
  • Foundation Heartefact Fund
  • Independent cultural actors
Coordinación con otros proyectos y actores The Project will ensure complementarities with other Swiss initiatives supporting civil society (e.g. For an active civil society - ACT, Support to the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities - SCTM) and seek synergies with other local actors supporting smaller cultural initiatives.
Presupuesto Fase en curso Presupuesto suizo CHF    1’877’000 Presupuesto actual suizo ya emitido CHF    1’776’174
Fases del proyecto Fase 1 15.07.2020 - 28.02.2025   (Fase en curso)