Encouraging Sustainable Development of Local Communities Through the “Cities in Focus” Call

“Cities in Focus” is a program created by the Ministry of Culture and Information to encourage sustainable local cultural development. The general and specific goals of the program are consistent with the principles of the 2005 Convention, and are based on the concept of decentralization of cultural life and strengthening the capacity of local self-governments in the field of culture, contributing to more balanced local and regional development. Within the “Cities in Focus” framework, the Ministry of Culture and Information issues an annual call, which provides an opportunity for cities and municipalities to cooperate with institutions, art, and other associations registered as operating in the field of culture on the task of improving the capacities and cultural offer of individuals (artists, associates, and cultural professionals) and other entities in culture. Elected local governments receive the title “City in Focus,” which allows them to be recognized as relevant national centers of cultural development and become more visible on the cultural map of Serbia and Europe. The goal of the call is to encourage local development by supporting annual cultural activities programs, implemented in the territory of the selected local self-government unit and in accordance with the general goals of the program, which are improving culture and art, creating a richer cultural offer, encouraging creativity and cultural diversity, and recognizing the specificities of the local community’s cultural identity and sustainable development. The Program’s specific goals are defined as follows: • Increased contributions of culture to the long-term and sustainable development of local self-government units in accordance with their strategic priorities; • Strengthened cultural capacities at the local level, as well as improved inter-ministerial (education, research, environment, urban development, social policy, economic development, and cultural tourism) and inter-sectoral (public, private, and civil sector) cooperation; • Enriched cultural offer and better quality of content; • Preserved and enhanced cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue; • Improved and modernized cultural infrastructure; • Protected and revitalized cultural monuments; • Enhanced regional and international cultural exchange and cooperation; • Improved accessibility of cultural content for all citizens and encouraged cultural participation, with special emphasis on vulnerable social groups; • Created stimulating environment for creative expressions of independent artists and individuals in culture. The program supports projects that are of interest to the local community, assessed as innovative, financially and content-wise sustainable in the long run, and as having the potential to improve the quality of cultural life in the community. The program’s focus is on rural and poor areas. It is implemented through projects led by cities or municipalities in Serbia, in the form of infrastructure improvements, equipment procurement, cultural and artistic events, and educational programs. The program encourages cultural participation with a special emphasis on vulnerable social groups: national minorities, poor communities, rural communities, women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Only local self-government units (cities or municipalities) have the right to apply to the call.