This year marks a significant milestone for Belgrade Youth Center (Dom Omladine Beograda), a cultural and educational institution at the heart of Belgrade’s youth scene
Since its founding in 1964, Belgrade Youth Center has grown into an iconic space where generations of young people have expressed themselves artistically, culturally, and intellectually. It’s not only a centre for youth in Belgrade but also a hub for cultural tourism, attracting young visitors from Europe and beyond. With over 1,600 programs annually and more than 400,000 visitors each year, Belgrade Youth Center continues to inspire and nurture creativity across music, film, theatre, visual arts, and public discussions.
This year, the centre is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a range of events and activities, including a comprehensive exhibition, a documentary film, and a monograph that encapsulates the rich history and influence of the institution. The 60 Years of Belgrade Youth Center exhibit, running through the end of 2024 offers visitors an immersive look into the diverse programs and artistic contributions that have shaped the centre’s identity.
Throughout its six-decade history, Belgrade Youth Center has hosted performances from some of the biggest names in Yugoslav, Serbian, and global music, as well as legendary artists, intellectuals, and thinkers from around the world. From the pioneering days of Korni Grupa to the performances of international artists like Ray Charles and Prodigy, the centre’s role in promoting avant-garde and contemporary art has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
In an interview, Andrija Bojanić, director of Belgrade Youth Center, reflects on the centre’s impact and its evolution over the years:
THE EVOLUTION OF BELGRADE YOUTH CENTER
“Belgrade Youth Center was born out of a vision to provide young people with a space for expression, experimentation, and growth,” says Bojanić. “Over the past 60 years, it has adapted to the times, always staying true to its mission of empowering youth and supporting creative exploration. Artists, musicians, intellectuals, and students have come together here to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create new cultural narratives.”
Marina Abramović held her first solo exhibition at Belgrade Youth Center in 1970
Despite the changes brought by the decades, Bojanić emphasises that Belgrade Youth Center’s core mission remains the same: to nurture young talents and provide them with a platform to express themselves freely. “This institution has shaped Belgrade’s cultural identity and continues to do so, offering innovative and relevant programming that reflects the concerns and aspirations of today’s youth,” he adds.
ICONIC MOMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Throughout its history, Belgrade Youth Center has seen countless iconic moments. “Every generation that has gazam, and many others have performed on this stage, creating an enduring legacy.”
Not only has the centre been a platform for local talent, but it has also welcomed international artists. Over the years, legends such as Ray Charles, Kraftwerk, and The Prodigy have graced the stages of Belgrade Youth Center, adding to its global reputation. The centre has also played host to notable regional figures like Darko Rundek and Laibach, as well as up-and-coming artists shaping the modern music scene in Serbia.
Bojanić notes that Marina Abramović, one of the world’s most famous performance artists, held her first solo exhibition at Belgrade Youth Center in 1970. This momentous event marked the beginning of an extraordinary artistic journey for Abramović and is a testament to the centre’s commitment to supporting avant-garde art.
ADAPTING TO A CHANGING CULTURAL SCENE
As the cultural landscape continues to evolve, Belgrade Youth Center has remained relevant by adapting to the needs of new generations. “Our aim has always been to keep our programs current, innovative, and accessible to young people,” says Bojanić. “We honour our legacy by reminding ourselves and our audience of our past achievements, but we are always looking forward.”
In recent years, the centre has launched new initiatives, such as the “Rock and Roll School” project, which gives high school bands from across Serbia the opportunity to perform on the centre’s stage. “We’ve also strengthened our collaboration with Studio Centar to deliver educational theatre programs that address real issues faced by today’s youth, such as peer violence, substance abuse, and social isolation,” adds Bojanić.
Looking ahead, Belgrade Youth Center is committed to further enriching its cultural offerings while continuing to support young, emerging talent. “It’s crucial that we create more opportunities for young people to be involved in our programs, both as participants and as the audience. We want to remain a platform for unrecognised artists while also encouraging the healthy, creative, and meaningful growth of youth,” Bojanić concludes.
With a focus on community and creativity, Belgrade Youth Center is set to continue its journey as a cornerstone of Belgrade’s cultural life, inspiring future generations to dream, create, and break new ground.
