One of Europe's premier music festivals, Exit, is set to conclude its 25-year presence in Serbia, citing "undemocratic pressures" as a primary reason for its departure. Scheduled for its 25th anniversary from July 10 to 13, festival organizers have revealed that government funding for the event has been withdrawn, alongside backing from several sponsors who faced state-imposed pressure.
The exit follows the festival’s alignment with ongoing student protests against corruption in Serbia, a movement ignited by tragic events at Novi Sad railway station last November, where a concrete canopy collapse resulted in 16 fatalities. In solidarity, Exit festival organizers actively participated in protests and provided essential aid, including food and sleeping bags to students.
Officials from the provincial culture secretariat have dismissed the claims of political interference, explaining that financial constraints were the reason for the lack of support. Despite these claims, exit founder Dusan Kovacevic maintains that standing up for freedom comes at a cost. In his statement regarding the festival's departure, he emphasized that Exit should be remembered for its "unity," "love," and promotion of "freedom."
With a history of hosting renowned artists, from The White Stripes to Arctic Monkeys, the Exit Festival has seen attendance exceed 200,000 in recent years. Its significance in Serbia's cultural landscape cannot be overstated; it has attracted international audiences and positively impacted the local arts scene, inspiring a host of festivals and events.
The future of Exit remains uncertain, as no announcements have been made concerning a potential relocation to another country. Daryl Fidelak, a Belgrade-based record label owner, expressed how Exit has improved Serbia's image, turning international perceptions from negative to positive and significantly enriching the country's live music and cultural offerings.
