Festival Focus: EXIT Festival, Serbia
The European Festival Report (EFR) 2024, a packed annual summary of the biggest trends, happenings, and initiatives on the continent’s festival scene, was published in December.
In this excerpt from this indispensable guide, EXIT Festival founder & director Dušan Kovačević discusses the festival’s independent status, the impact of rising costs, and the value of face-to-face gatherings for young populations.
How did things go at EXIT this summer?
The 2024 edition was a resounding success, filled with unforgettable moments and unmatched energy from everyone involved. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the unique spirit of EXIT.
This year’s event was packed with unforgettable moments. For me, seeing Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine performing live was a surreal experience. Their DNA is so closely aligned with EXIT’s spirit, and they’ve been on our wish list since the foundation of the festival. I even dove into the mosh pit during Killing in the Name – it was a moment I had been waiting for for 24 years!
Our legendary Dance Arena also lived up to its reputation, with electrifying performances from Carl Cox, Bonobo, and Black Coffee that kept the energy high all night. It was truly an amazing edition, and we’re excited to carry this momentum into our 25th anniversary next year.
“EXIT has been a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or background”
What challenges does the festival industry face and how are you overcoming them?
The biggest challenge is undoubtedly the galloping inflation impacting every aspect of festival production. From artist fees and logistics to infrastructure and operational costs, prices have been rising sharply year after year, making it increasingly difficult to balance quality and sustainability.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent festival in the current landscape?
Being an independent festival gives us the creative freedom to design EXIT exactly as we envision it, without the pressure of reporting to investment funds or large corporations that now own most major festivals. This autonomy allows us to innovate, take risks, and focus on what truly matters, and not just Excel sheets. For example, had we not been independent, we would never have managed to become the first major festival in the world to take place after the pandemic in 2021.
However, operating as an independent also means navigating the complexities of the industry without the financial backing or infrastructure that larger corporate entities enjoy. In today’s landscape – marked by rising costs and increased competition – it can be challenging to maintain sustainability while continuing to grow.
That said, our independence allows us to stay agile and connect more authentically with our audience, which we believe is one of EXIT’s greatest strengths. It’s a balancing act, but our independence is also our identity – something we deeply cherish and will continue to embrace. I truly believe that independence will become one of the greatest advantages for festivals in the years to come, especially as younger generations increasingly value it.
“In an era dominated by digital interactions, festivals provide a rare space for people to engage face-to-face”
Can you share some of the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) measures or initiatives you have in place to ensure EXIT is welcoming for everyone?
Since its inception, EXIT has been a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or background. EXIT played a pivotal role in the early 2000s, bringing together young people from the war-torn Balkan States for the first time in over a decade. This made EXIT a symbol of reconciliation, unity, and hope for a brighter future.
Mental health initiatives have been a core focus for years, as we firmly believe that festivals are vital for the mental well-being of young people – a fact that became especially evident during their absence throughout the pandemic.
We are particularly proud of the Life is Live campaign, launched in partnership with UNICEF in 2023. This initiative addresses mental health by identifying digital dependency as one of the most dangerous addictions facing today’s youth. It highlights the irreplaceable value of real live experiences and the importance of human connection.
In 2024, the campaign evolved to focus on the paradox of our hyperconnected yet increasingly lonely digital lives.
“Festivals like EXIT remain vital cultural touchstones”
What role do festivals play in people’s cultural lives?
Festivals play an immense role on many levels in our societies and have become an essential part of the cultural life of young people. However, if I had to highlight one key aspect, it would be their role as one of the few remaining massive social gatherings for young people. In an era dominated by digital interactions, festivals provide a rare space for people to engage in real, face-to-face experiences. These kinds of experiences are becoming increasingly rare, which is why festivals are more important than ever. They offer a space where people step away from their screens and immerse themselves in the present moment.
In a world where digital spaces dominate, festivals like EXIT remain vital cultural touchstones. They remind us of the irreplaceable value of live, human connection and the joy that comes from truly being present with others.
The third edition of the European Festival Report, from IQ and festival association Yourope, is available to read online for free.
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