Novi Sad – ECC 2021

Novi Sad has been declared a European Capital of Culture for 2021, becoming the first city outside the European Union to take this title, in competition with Herceg Novi in Montenegro.

After the final presentation of the project "Novi Sad 2021", which was held by a delegation from Novi sad on October 13 in Brussels, a panel of independent experts decided that the title of European Capital of Culture for 2021 should be given to Novi Sad, whose candidacy was orally presented on 112 pages by members of the delegation made of artists from Novi Sad, professors, town planners and curators.

The candidacy of Novi Sad for ECOC 2021 is based on a program concept, which consists of four areas integrated under the title "For new bridges."

According to its authors, project "Novi Sad 2021", is designed as a platform for “development of creative potentials of Novi Sad. This project should, above else, motivate and inspire both cultural workers and all citizens to re-examine current values and set new goals towards democratic cultural development of the city.

Re-examination of modern identity of Novi Sad, revitalization of cultural heritage, reconstruction of the existing and opening new spaces intended for culture, developing cultural participation of citizens.", and therefore “improve the international reputation and the tourist offer of Novi Sad, which has already became well known on the international scene thanks to the Exit festival, who’s  rich cultural offer has thus reached the attention of the cultural public worldwide and tourism industry. "

The organizing committee for candidacy of Novi Sad for the ECC, which is supported by many personalities from local and European art scene, such as Rade Serbedzija, Anica Dobra, Stefan Milenkovic, Tomas Vlašiha, Aleksandra Vrebalov and others, has announced that “Through project 'Novi Sad 2021" the city of Novi Sad will be able to develop its local concept and strategy of sustainable development of the cultural sector with a focus on: strengthening the institutions of culture, reconstruction of cultural heritage, strengthening of cultural participation, development of cultural and creative industries, decentralization and intersectoral collaboration."

Novi Sad was in December 2015, as a city outside the EU, shortlisted for the ECC 2021, in competition with Herceg Novi.

Unlike the previous practice to designate two cities a year for the ECC, the decision of the European Parliament and the Program Council of the ECC, three cities will hold this title in 2021, one from Romania and Greece each, which are members of the EU and one from candidate-country or potential candidate for membership in the EU (countries which are participating in the Creative Europe Programme).

(SEEcult.org)