June 19 2025, Nova Iskra Dorćol, Belgrade, Serbia
Culture as a Common Good is not an abstract concept — it entails models of managing cultural resources based on collaboration, shared responsibility, and the inclusion of communities that use and shape those resources. This approach can help rebuild trust in institutions and create more lasting connections between audiences and cultural organizations.
It is also necessary to rely on existing experiences and practices. In Serbia and the region, there are both traditional and contemporary initiatives already functioning according to the principles of the commons — from shared spaces to participatory artistic and curatorial practices. It is important to strengthen these practices and make them visible.
New methods and abilities are essential for participatory governance. Cultural institutions and organizations must develop capacities for participation, joint decision-making, and horizontal organization. This includes education, but also a willingness to change how they operate “from within.”
Recognizing and valuing different perspectives. It is crucial to include not only cultural professionals but also citizens, artists, activists, and everyone involved in cultural processes, so that approaches can be relevant and sustainable. During the panel-workshop itself, participants concluded that the most important step in opening institutions to communities is defining shared values — values the community can stand behind. All other activities are grounded in these foundations.
Opening up heritage institutions and contemporary artistic production to communities through collaborative governance, financing, and cultural production improves the institutions themselves and offers them protection in times of political and financial uncertainty.
Participants:
Ivan Manojlović, Project Manager, Nova Iskra
Dr Katarina Živanović, Museologist, Europa Nostra Serbia
Dr Iva Čukić, Architect and Urban Planner, Ministry of Space
Marija Dragišić, Conservation Researcher, Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments
Ana Pinter, Director and Theatre Pedagogue, Tri Groša
Miljana Milojković, Producer
Photo Credits: Minja Pavlović
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the European Research Executive Agency (REA) can be held responsible for them.