The final preparations for the creation of the monumental sculpture Cloud are underway! The sculpture, based on the sculptural-architectural design by Branislav Nikolić, will soon shine in the District, situated between the buildings Menza, Čeličana, and Radionica. 

The conceptual design Cloud by Branislav Nikolić was selected last year as the best entry in the sculptural-architectural competition held as part of the urban development plan for the Novi Sad District. The competition was launched on the initiative of the ’Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture’ Foundation and the Centre for Fine and Applied Arts TERRA. 

The concept was required to embrace the spatial and historical context of the District, reflecting its century-old industrial heritage, as well as its future role as a new hub for creative industries, brought to life through the revitalization project within the European Capital of Culture framework. 

Nikolić’s Cloud serves as a thoughtful and organic extension of the new concept for revitalizing the District. Designed as a factory chimney with smoke billowing from it, the sculpture immerses visitors in the industrial history of this area, marked by the rapid industrialization of Novi Sad in the early 20th century. Its minimalist form communicates clearly with the heritage it represents, attracting attention and inviting dialogue. Built from a combination of terracotta and steel, Cloud will document the history of the District, linking the past with the present. The two dominant materials—terracotta and steel—played a key role in the city’s development, reflecting its continuous progress over the decades. 

This monumental sculpture will become a meeting point between past and future, where the industrial heritage of Novi Sad finds new life in the heart of the District. Branislav Nikolić’s work will symbolize the transformation of this area, which now thrives as a centre of creative industries, arts, and culture. 

Photo: Vladimir Veličković