How can cultural events be organised in parks while preserving their natural value and meeting the needs of the community? This question brought together the programme of the final “A City That Breathes” conference, held in Novi Sad from 22 to 24 October 2026, and the project partners’ evaluation meeting, organised by the Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture Foundation. These activities marked the conclusion of the Parks4All project, which connected culture and public green spaces in Serbia and Hungary through education, artistic residencies and festivals.
The evaluation meeting brought together representatives of the project partners, who shared their conclusions on the project’s results and impact. Participants attended the conference programme and presentations and were also introduced to the activities carried out throughout the project. Drawing on these experiences, they discussed the results achieved, the significance of individual activities and opportunities to apply the knowledge gained to future programmes.
Participants agreed that cultural events in public spaces and parks should be organised responsibly, while preserving the natural value and distinctive character of these spaces. It was emphasised that projects such as Parks4All provide valuable opportunities for young artists, cultural managers and producers to connect, exchange good practices and develop their knowledge of the sustainable use of public spaces.
The “Event labs” component was highlighted as particularly valuable. It was based on participants working together on issues related to organising outdoor cultural events. Study visits and artistic residencies were also positively assessed as opportunities for experiential learning, exchanging approaches and connecting artistic practice with the local environment.
The project partners also highlighted the need to present decision-makers with positive examples of international best practices in organising public events in parks. The aim is to facilitate the issuing of permits for programmes that make responsible and sustainable use of public spaces while respecting their natural value and the needs of the community.
The conference programme, held at the Prometej Bookshop, in city parks and in Petrovaradin, provided a broader framework for these discussions. The right to the city, the relationship between festivals and local communities, and the role of art in understanding nature were explored through panel discussions, an exhibition of works created during the residencies, and walks through Dunavski and Futoški parks. A reconstruction of the ecological sound installation “The Dreambird” by Mitar Subotić Suba and Goran Vejvoda was presented, alongside the Novi Sad premiere of the film “Gringo Paulista”, a film about the Parks4All project, and a documentary about the travelling theatre company Tanyaszínház. Discussions on the independent cultural scene and musical performances rounded off the programme.
Parks4All was implemented within the Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary–Serbia programme. The project was led by the Cinema City Association, with the Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture Foundation, WEMSICAL SERBIA, DDTG and Hungary’s Catholic Youth Foundation as project partners.
