Belgrade hosted the inaugural gathering of creative hubs, organizations, and initiatives from across the region, leading to the establishment of the Regional Creative Network. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Platform “Serbia Creates” and the Ložionica Center, was announced by the Serbian government.
The newly formed network includes creative centers, organizations, and initiatives from Serbia (Ložionica), Slovenia (Rog Center), Croatia (Pučko otvoreno učilište Varaždin – Centar kulturnih i kreativnih industrija UPVŽ), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sklonište, Banja Luka), North Macedonia (UMPACI), Albania (Creative Industries Agency Municipality of Tirana), and Montenegro (CIM Forum Kotor, Kotor ART Festival).
The first meeting underscored the significant potential for regional cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and the development of a creative ecosystem through creative industries and innovations. It highlighted the importance of enhancing the region’s international standing and promoting joint economic and technological growth.
Attendees included representatives from UNESCO, international experts from Denmark (BLOXKUB, Copenhagen), and France (Centquatre-Paris and BAAZAR from Lille). Participants were introduced to the project for transforming the old Ložionica building into Serbia’s first center for creative industries.
The event was supported by UNESCO – Antenna Office Sarajevo, the Embassy of Denmark in Serbia, and the French Institute in Serbia.