A cultural competition intended to highlight the artistic diversity of Serbia during the upcoming EXPO 2027 has become the center of a public conflict between the Ministry of Culture and the EXPO 2027 organization. The dispute has led to delays in announcing the competition results, originally due on September 10, 2026. According to sources close to the selection committee, Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković has threatened to cancel the competition if candidates not favored by the Ministry do not receive support.
The competition, announced on May 29, 2026, was designed to select cultural programs and projects for the Special Exhibition EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, with the theme “Play for Humanity.” It invited applications from individuals and groups involved in various artistic fields, including music, film, theater, literature, and digital arts. A total of 234 applications were submitted by over 300 cultural entities, with funding awards ranging from half a million to eight million dinars.
The conflict centers around two key projects: one by painter Predrag Đaković and another by visual artist and educator Radmila Borojević. Đaković, who is reportedly close to Minister Selaković, previously represented Serbia at the Venice Biennale with a project that received mixed reviews. Critics within the art community have described his selection process as procedurally questionable and not representative of Serbia’s contemporary art scene. Meanwhile, Borojević, who is married to a television personality known for promoting conspiracy theories, is also seen as aligned with the political and ideological circle of the Minister.
The selection process for the competition involves a three-member committee, with two members proposed by EXPO and one by the Ministry of Culture. The ongoing dispute has transformed what should have been an expert evaluation into a political contest over which candidates will receive funding, according to a source close to the commission.
This situation reflects broader issues within Serbia’s cultural landscape, which has been marked by political pressures and a struggle for artistic freedom. Previous cultural competitions under Minister Selaković’s administration have faced similar delays and controversies. The lack of transparency and the influence of political favoritism in cultural funding have been points of contention among artists and cultural organizations in Serbia.
The delay in announcing the competition results has left participants in limbo, with no clear indication of when the results will be published. This uncertainty has caused frustration within the cultural community, which eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase its work at the international exhibition.
The EXPO 2027, scheduled to take place from May 15 to August 15, 2027, in Belgrade, is expected to be a significant event for Serbia, providing a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. However, the current conflict between the Ministry of Culture and EXPO 2027 raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the selection process for cultural representation at the event.
As the situation develops, the cultural community in Serbia remains watchful, concerned about the potential implications of political interference in artistic endeavors. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting effects on the perception of Serbia’s commitment to supporting and promoting its diverse cultural heritage on the global stage.
