Belgrade, 13 November 2024 – On the occasion of the launch of the Creative Gate digital platform intended for professionals in the field of culture and creative industries, EXIT Foundation participates in the organization of the Western Balkans Creative Day event, which will be held on Saturday, 16 November 2024, at Dom omladine Beograda, starting at 11 am. In addition to the presentation of the platform, the event is an opportunity to bring together some of the leading experts in the cultural and creative industries from the region and Europe, with a common idea to explore new paths for cooperation, growth and sustainability in their sector.
About the Western Balkans as one of the future global centres of creativity, the future of creative industries, as well as creative ways to utilize authentic identity to achieve unique experiences will talk, among others, Jon Zeff, UK Creative Industries Council, Lead advisor, Michael Kill, UK Night Time Industries Association, CEO, Dušan Kovačević, EXIT Festival, CEO & Founder, Jovan Marjanović, Sarajevo Film Festival, Director, Andrew Blackett, fabric London, Programming Director, Hilary Knight, UK independent consultant for CCI, Tihomir Bajić, XQ & FQV VC Fund, Partner/Serbian entrepreneurs, Founder, and Samantha Mathys, an expert in the hospitality and nightlife industry. All participants will have a unique opportunity to find out how “Creative Gate” can contribute to their professional development and better connectivity with all domains of cultural and creative industries.
The Creative Gate Platform is part of the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) project, funded by the European Union, which aims to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors in the region by improving dialogue and socio-economic impact. The project is implemented by UNESCO, the British Council and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), which are working to create a sustainable and inclusive creative environment, recognizing the importance of cultural heritage and innovation for regional cooperation.
Creative industries in Serbia account for 7.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and are growing faster than the rest of the economy. The sector comprises more than 70,000 companies employing around 127,000 people, of which almost 70% are in the 25-44 age group, half have university degrees, women being significantly represented. Creative industries also contribute to exports, especially in the IT sector and the film industry.
This platform, created in cooperation with the Taksirat Festival, is a meeting place and support for cultural and creative industry actors in the Western Balkans, providing them with greater visibility, easier networking and opportunities to improve their business.
Admission is free, but due to the limited number of seats, registration is required by e-mail to: exitfoundation@exitfest.org. The fastest applicants will receive a confirmation of the seat reservations.
The entire agenda of the Western Balkans Creative Day event, including the names of the panels and the timetable, can be downloaded at the following link.
