This autumn, the District will shine once again as the hub of arts and culture, thanks to one of the most recognized artistic gatherings in this part of Europe – the Kaleidoscope of Culture. From 5 September to 5 October, this revitalized artistic quarter in Liman will host five weeks of supreme artistic programmes, encompassing applied arts, literature, performing arts, architecture, and visual arts.
The District, renovated as part of the Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture project, has become a new hub for cultural events in the city. Rich in history and industrial heritage, it now serves as the epicentre of contemporary art and culture. Following the ceremonial opening of the Kaleidoscope of Culture with a traditional classical music concert at Korzo, visitors will be able to enjoy diverse programmes throughout the spaces in the District, exploring various artistic forms.
Last year, within the Kaleidoscope of Culture, the permanent multimedia exhibition ’Spirit of Place – A Century of the District’ was opened, highlighting the hundred-year transformation of this urban space from an industrial centre into a modern cultural venue. While awaiting September and a new dose of culture in the city of arts, visit the exhibition and stroll through the District, as we introduce you to the unique spaces that will become venues for unforgettable artistic experiences this autumn.
Key Cultural Spaces in the District:
Proizvodnja: Located at the entrance to the District, adorned with an impressive installation of the letters ‘District’ by Jugoslav Sivić, the facility features murals by artists Artez, Nataša Konjević, and Pablo Astrain, symbolizing the industrial development of the area. Once a production plant, it is now a centre for cultural events and the epicentre of the alternative urban scene, set to be revitalized during this year’s Kaleidoscope of Culture.
Radionica: A series of eleven buildings, formerly part of the Petar Drapšin industrial complex, now houses independent artists and the Union for Collective Artistic Practice, initiated earlier this year. The workshops have been transformed into alternative spaces for artistic expression, including Atelie 61, Europe’s only institution for tapestry artistry, where visitors can try their hand at weaving.
Fabrika: Built in the 1950s, Fabrika is now the cultural centre SCCNS, as well as the home of the French Institute in Novi Sad. With six street-level and eight courtyard spaces, it offers impressive venues for the arts. It also hosts the Office for Civil Society Cooperation, established during Novi Sad’s European Capital of Culture title year.
Biro: Established in 1923 as the Bureau for Architecture, Industrial Construction, and Land Measurement, this building by architects Mihajlo Plavec and engineer Aleksandar Schumacher symbolizes urban development and progress in Novi Sad.
Menza: Built in 1947, it served workers in the industrial zone, preparing up to 110 meals a day. Today, it stands as a symbol of unity and post-war renewal.
Čeličana: Once part of the Braća Kramer factory, Čeličana aims to become the largest new media gallery in the region, enriching the cultural offerings of the District.
CS OPENS: On the site of a former carpentry workshop, OPENS Youth Centre has been a key hub for youth activities since 2016, when Novi Sad was the European Youth Capital.
Odmaralište: Once part of the Braća Kramer factory, later used as a ski repair workshop and a renowned hospitality venue, it symbolizes social tourism and working-class life.
Cinkara: Built in 1926 as part of the complex for hot-dip galvanizing of steel structures, it now, together with Gvožđara, forms the largest unit of the District with 11 independent spaces for creative and cultural industries.
Skladište: Built in 1927 as a warehouse for the Braća Kramer factory, it remains a testament to the rich industrial history of the District.
Czech Magazine: The oldest building in the District, constructed in 1921 as a storage facility for agricultural products. It is a cultural monument, reflecting the rich trade and industrial cooperation between Vojvodina and the Czech Republic. Today, it houses the cultural heritage of the Matica Srpska Library, about which you can read in the TEXT.
Lančara: Opened in 1932, it carries on the tradition of chain production, a significant part of Novi Sad’s industrial development.
Photo: Vladimir Veličković
