Novi Sad was named 2021 European Capital of Culture, making it the first city in a candidate country to ever hold the prestigious title.
The programme concept of “Novi Sad 2021“ comprised four areas fused together under the slogan “4 new bridges”. Milica Raskovic of “Novi Sad 2021 Foundation” expands on the concept, giving more details on activities in 2021:
Among 200 cultural events taking place in Novi Sad every year, “the first among equals” is EXIT Festival, which is the laureate of 2018 Best European Festival Award. According to the Foundation, fresh content will be added to the long list of music, film and theatre festivals and other events, offering the citizens of Novi Sad an opportunity to enhance networking locally and establish new forms of cooperation at the European level.
Following a decision to give the prestigious title to Novi Sad, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics said he was pleased that in 2021 for the first time the holder of the title would be a city in a candidate country. He said that “the opening of this prestigious European programme to those countries seeking full membership is a way to bring them closer to and reinforce their cultural links with the Union.”
European Capital of Culture initiative has been launched to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures, strengthen the cultural ties among Europeans, connect people from different European countries, learn more about other cultures, promote mutual understanding and strengthen the sense of Europeanism. The European Capital of Culture was initiated by the then Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri in 1985 and has become one of the most high-profile cultural initiatives in Europe.
In 2021, Novi Sad will share the title with Timisoara, Romania, and Eleusis, Greece.
