From Novi Sad, with love

May 2026 – Louise Tournillon, Head of International Relations

In Novi Sad, from the moment I arrived, I could see the positive impact of a European Capital of Culture when it succeeds in turning temporary initiatives into lasting achievements.

Beyond the warm welcome, the Svilara Cultural Station, a former industrial space converted into a cultural venue in the Almaš neighbourhood, stands as the first tangible example of this transformation. Shaped by its industrial past, the city has successfully reclaimed this abandoned space and turned it into an open, welcoming place where residents and artists come together. In Novi Sad, culture is all about movement and exchange: some visitors marvel at the artworks on display, while others engage in lively conversations around a restaurant table.

The day after my arrival, at the District – a former industrial complex transformed into a creative hub – my conversations with Nemanja Milenković, Director of the Novi Sad Foundation, confirmed this impression. A European Capital of Culture cannot simply be reduced to a programme of events taking place over a limited period. It must create the conditions for local cultural stakeholders to continue producing, experimenting and bringing their region to life over the long term.

A catamaran trip along the Danube offered an opportunity to see how a European Capital of Culture can build on the beauty of its landscapes. Looking at these picture-postcard views, which shape the stories and collective imagination associated with a place, I couldn’t help but think of the valleys of Berry.

The following day, a visit to the Petrovaradin Fortress and the exhibition “Mileva – We Are One Rock” offered an insight into the life of Albert Einstein’s wife. Immersive installations and innovative light and sound displays created an artistic and sensory experience centred on the memory of a forgotten female figure.

In Novi Sad, the tangible and intangible legacy of the European Capital of Culture is everywhere: around a street corner, along the cultural routes made available to residents, and in the city’s architecture. After numerous conversations with representatives from other European Capitals of Culture, the same question kept coming up: how can we ensure that a European Capital of Culture leaves behind more than just a memory?

In Novi Sad, the answer lies in the ongoing dialogue between memory, local identity and European openness.