◆ What is Gnezdo?
ABOUT
AKC ‘Gnezdo’: A safe space for diversity and authenticity
The idea that neglected public spaces can once again become places of gathering, culture, and community developed through our participation in the work of the self-organized collective Inex Film in Belgrade from 2012 to 2015. At that time, the formerly ruined facility of the Inex Film company was revived—thanks to the collective efforts of artists, cultural workers, and activists—as a space for cultural programs, knowledge exchange, social engagement, and shared living and working. We later sought to transfer the experiences and values developed through that collective to Kruševac.
At the beginning of 2017, we launched an initiative to restore an abandoned building in the Bivolje neighborhood and transform it into an open space dedicated to culture, youth, and the local community. Together with a large number of local and international volunteers, and with the support of the Trag Foundation through its Active Communities program, the association Fakiri sa juga restored the ruined facility of FK Borac and founded the Alternative Cultural Center Gnezdo. Since then, Gnezdo has continuously contributed to the cultural and social life of Kruševac through concerts, workshops, exhibitions, educational programs, and activities for young people.
Gnezdo is based on collaboration, openness, and collective work. Through various working groups and by involving members of the community, we strive to keep the space accessible to diverse initiatives, artists, organizations, and anyone who wishes to contribute to the development of contemporary culture, solidarity, and active social life in the city. The users and participants of Gnezdo also actively take part in improving the immediate surroundings through clean-up and maintenance actions in the space, along the Rasina River, and in the surrounding natural environment, as well as through other initiatives important to the local community.
The informal group AKC Gnezdo was awarded a recognition by the House of Human Rights in Belgrade for its contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights in Serbia. The award was presented on the occasion of International Human Rights Day in 2024.
- 2017./We find a ruined building on the banks of the Rasina River and sign a ten-year agreement for the use of the future Gnezdo space.
- 2018./The entire roof starts leaking :/ We receive a donation from Sika and save the building—and our enthusiasm!
- 2019./We organize a crowdfunding campaign and, thanks to donations from citizens, install pellet heating (though we quickly switch to firewood)!
- 2020./We almost lost the space! But the community stood by us—we made it through!
- 2021./The year of the coronavirus—extremely difficult for survival. Bills keep arriving, regardless of how we’re doing.
- 2022./High school students took over Gnezdo, creating a large number of programs for themselves and their peers.
- 2023./A protest in front of Gnezdo! Some believe we are a satanist gay club!
- 2024./We buy a large amount of equipment for the music studio, and Cvele joins us!
- 2025./A year marked by GNEZDO FEST! We are very proud of this edition!
- 2026./The year we finally made the website? At last.
FAKIRI SA JUGA - RELATIONSHIP WITH AKC GNEZDO
Fakiri sa juga was established as an informal group and formally registered in 2017 in order to gain a stronger legal position from which to advocate for the creation of an alternative cultural center in Kruševac.
As the association is the sole signatory of the agreement for the use of the space where AKC Gnezdo was founded, it serves as the fiscal sponsor and the main organization through which the collective’s projects are implemented. This also means that the management of the space, as well as the realization of project and other activities, involves members of AKC Gnezdo who belong to other organizations, informal groups, or participate individually in the work of the center.
The mission of Fakiri sa juga is to promote culture and community development through lifelong non-formal education and by supporting participatory, contemporary, and independent artistic practices. Its vision is an engaged social community that fosters innovation, freedom of expression, and critical thinking in each of its members.
On November 29, 2024, Fakiri sa juga received the Jelena Šantić Foundation Award “For a Courageous Step Forward” in the category “Contribution to Local Community Development” for the revitalization of cultural life.
Since 2021, the association has been a member of the Independent Cultural Scene of Serbia, as well as the Kooperativa regional cultural platform.
Goals of the Association
Revitalizing and promoting culture at the local, national, regional, and international level through non-formal education for children and young people, as well as advocating for an intercultural approach in the fields of culture and art.
Creating and nurturing contemporary artistic expression through both theoretical and practical work.
Networking and exchanging knowledge with the independent cultural scene in the region and worldwide.
Building cooperation with local residents, civic associations, and local cultural and educational institutions by involving them in the association’s programs and activities.
Promoting domestic and international artists and artistic practices, and creating active collaboration among them with the aim of refreshing and improving local artistic practices, while also promoting multicultural values and potentials in culture and art.
Researching and improving artistic production from the perspective of the independent sector.
Mediating and creating dialogue in the field of culture between the independent and public sectors in order to achieve cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Mediating and creating dialogue with socially vulnerable groups (such as children without parental care, youth at risk, juvenile offenders, and others) in order to strengthen their creative and cultural potential and reduce social distance through the artistic practices of the association.