About Us

The Association Independent Cultural Scene of Serbia is a collaborative platform of organisations, initiatives and individuals working in the field of contemporary art and which view culture as a public good. Through the implementation and exchange of programmes in Serbia and abroad, through activities that build the capacities of the Association as well as its members, and through dialogue with decision-makers at all levels, the Association Independent Cultural Scene of Serbia (ICSS) aspires to promote the development of innovative and critical art practices, impact cultural policy and other related public policies, contribute to decentralisation of culture in Serbia and establish regional cooperation in Southeast Europe.

Association ICSS goals are: to develop innovative, critical and experimental art and cultural production; impact the formulation and implementation of cultural policies in Serbia at national, provincial and local levels and to impact the formulation and implementation of other related public policies; develop international cultural cooperation, especially cultural cooperation in Southeast Europe; develop intersectoral cooperation in the field of culture in Serbia, especially regarding the development of new models of organisation and partnership between civic and public sectors; decentralise culture in Serbia; develop intercultural dialogue and nurture cultural diversity; build capacities of independent cultural scene partakers; spread and improve education in the field of culture; improve professional and scientific research in culture; acknowledge the culture of equality and diversity and build respect towards cultural, national and religious diversity; contemplate strategically and constantly update fundamental principles of independent organisation and action at the independent scene in relation to previous, present and future socio-political context.

The Association Independent Culture Scene of Serbia (ICSS) was jointly founded by 28 organisations in 2011 and today it has over 100 member organisations active in contemporary art and culture across Serbia.