SRB
A Word from the Artistic Director
Olja Jacobs
Belgrade is a city of powerful artistic energy and rich cultural tradition. The idea behind this programme is simple: to create a space where artists and audiences can meet, share music, ideas and creative inspiration. Through concerts, exhibitions, conversations and workshops, we want to show how art can be part of everyday life and a source of personal and collective wellbeing. We invite you to experience these moments of art and creativity together.
Project Ambassador for Youth
Strahinja Mitrović, Double Bass Virtuoso
Strahinja Mitrović is a globally recognized rising star in classical music, celebrated for his exceptional talent and innovative approach. He's not only an acclaimed double bassist but also an emerging fashion icon, bringing a fresh perspective to the classical scene and showcasing his instrument with new energy.
Under 30 Star
Named one of Classic FM's most promising musicians under 30.
Prince's Award Winner
Recipient of the prestigious 2025 Prince's Award from the London Musicians' Society.
Concordia Foundation Recognition
Honored for his exceptional skill, integrity, and purposeful performance on the international stage.
Guildhall Gold Medalist
The first double bassist in history to win the Gold Medal of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
About the project
One city. Countless creative worlds.
The programme brings together musicians, visual artists, writers and other creative authors through a series of artistic events in Belgrade. Through concerts, exhibitions, workshops and conversations with artists, audiences have the opportunity to experience art as a space for encounter, exchange of ideas and creative inspiration.
The programme encourages collaboration between different artistic disciplines and opens new possibilities for creative dialogue between artists and audiences.
Educational Partner
School for Musical Talents in Ćuprija
Within the BUPBAP Festival, a special role is held by the School for Musical Talents in Ćuprija, a unique educational institution in Serbia dedicated to working with exceptionally gifted young musicians.
National Significance
Founded in 1973, the school holds the status of an institution of special national importance, maintaining high artistic standards.
Festival Collaboration
Students and professors of the school will take part in artistic encounters, concerts and creative workshops, bringing freshness and energy to the programme.
Creative Dialogue
This collaboration creates a vibrant space where young talents, artists and audiences meet, allowing music to be experienced as a force that connects people.
Ložionica — The Heart of the Encounters
The programme will be held in the space of Ložionica, a contemporary cultural venue in Belgrade whose architecture and atmosphere provide an inspiring setting for concerts, exhibitions and artistic encounters. Ložionica is not just a building — it is a symbol of the new cultural Belgrade.
Programme Structure
Six encounters in one month
The Month of Creativity and Wellbeing encompasses six intertwined segments that together form a unique and comprehensive artistic story.
Musical Encounters
Concerts of classical and contemporary music
Multimedia Events
Programmes combining music, movement and light installations
Visual Art
Photography exhibitions and contemporary artists
Literary Encounters
Conversations with writers and literary evenings
Creative Workshops
Workshops for young people and audiences
Art and Wellbeing
Workshops dedicated to breathing, sound and the development of mindfulness
Detailed Program
Festival of Art and Wellbeing: October 2026
Explore the rich and diverse program of the BUPBAP Festival. Each day brings unique artistic experiences, from multimedia projects and masterclasses to concerts and literary evenings. Prepare for an inspiring month in Belgrade.
October 3rd: Opening Gala
The festival officially opens with a multimedia project by Tijana Milošević, a musical-theatrical spectacle combining music, movement, and light. Featuring Stravinsky's "Soldier's Tale" and a new work by composer Jug Marković.
October 4th: Masterclass & Young Talents Showcase
Morning masterclass by Belgrade Philharmonic soloists offering public lessons and career advice. Evening concert features soloist Strahinja Mitrović with students from the School for Musical Talents in Ćuprija and the Faculty of Music Arts Orchestra.
October 5th: Journey into Silence
An evening of sound healing with Irina Dečermić. This transformative concert uses gongs, Tibetan bowls, piano, harp, cello, and Nestor Kornblum's overtone singing for deep relaxation and inner peace.
October 6th: Baroque Night
Experience the richness of Baroque music with the St. George Strings Ensemble and Czech countertenor Vojtěch Pelka. Their historically informed performance highlights Pelka's exceptional vocal range.
October 7th: Literary & Visual Arts Evening
An exclusive presentation of 15 books by Dr. Jelena Đorđević, including discussions and readings. The evening also marks the opening of a photography exhibition documenting the festival's artistic journey.
October 8th: Jazz Faculty Showcase
The Faculty of Music Arts Jazz Orchestra presents a concert of contemporary jazz repertoire, showcasing the dynamic blend of improvisation, big band sound, and the talents of young musicians.
October 9th: Grand Finale
The festival culminates with a captivating concert by cellist Dragan Đorđević. The program includes Friedrich Gulda's "Cello Concerto for Winds," an innovative piece blending classical, jazz, and improvisation for a powerful conclusion.
Project Goals
Why the BUPBAP Festival?
The BUPBAP Festival emerges from the desire to create an open space for the encounter of artists and audiences, where different artistic disciplines are connected through a shared creative experience. The programme is focused on creating an inspiring artistic environment in which music, visual art, literature and education become part of the city's living cultural dialogue.
Promotion of Art and Creative Expression
The festival presents different artistic forms and contemporary creative practices, opening space for new artistic experiences and encounters between audiences and creators
Support for Young Artists
Through workshops, mentoring and educational programmes, the festival gives young talents the opportunity to encounter experienced artists and gain invaluable artistic experience
Audience Development
The festival programme is designed to bring art closer to a wider audience and encourage new interest in music, literature, photography and contemporary artistic forms
Connecting Artistic Disciplines
The festival encourages encounters between different areas of creativity — music, visual arts, literature, education and wellbeing — creating space for new ideas and creative collaborations
Artistic Collaboration and Exchange
The programme brings together artists from Belgrade, the region and Europe, fostering artistic encounters, the exchange of experiences and new forms of collaboration
Cultural Significance of the Festival
The BUPBAP Festival contributes to the enrichment of Belgrade's contemporary cultural scene through a programme that brings together artists, authors and audiences in a shared space of creative encounter
The Cultural Significance of the Festival
The BUPBAP Festival contributes to the enrichment of Belgrade's contemporary cultural scene through a programme that brings together artists, authors and audiences in a shared space of creative encounter. Through concerts, exhibitions, literary programmes, workshops and artistic encounters, the festival opens space for new ideas, inspiration and dialogue between different artistic disciplines.
The programme encourages collaboration between artists from Belgrade, the region and Europe, creating a vibrant network of artistic encounters and creative exchange. The BUPBAP Festival has the potential to become a recognised annual artistic event that gathers audiences around music, visual art, literature and contemporary creative practices, contributing to the development of an open and dynamic cultural scene in the city.
Festival by the Numbers
6
Programme Segments
Music · multimedia projects · photography · literature · educational programmes · art and wellbeing
1
Unique Location
Ložionica — a contemporary cultural space in Belgrade whose atmosphere provides an inspiring setting for concerts, exhibitions and artistic encounters
360°
Cultural Experience
A programme connecting different artistic disciplines and offering audiences a complete experience of music, visual art, literature and creative practices
∞
Creative Potential
The festival brings together artists and audiences through an open space of encounter, inspiration and new creative collaborations
Vision for the Future
The programme begins with a series of events during 2026, with the goal of bringing together artists and audiences through the shared experience of art — with the intention of gradually growing into an annual programme dedicated to art and wellbeing.
In the coming years, the programme is planned to develop as a continuous cycle of artistic events connecting different areas of creativity and encouraging dialogue between artists and audiences. Throughout the year, the programme will evolve through thematic months dedicated to different areas of creativity and art.
Month of Creative Innovation
Month of Health
Month of the Book
Month of Young Talents
Month of Music
Invitation to Collaborate
Let's create new artistic memories in Belgrade together
The BUPBAP Festival invites companies, institutions and partners who recognise the value of art and culture to support this unique programme of artistic encounters. Through collaboration with the festival, partners become part of an event that brings together artists and audiences through concerts, exhibitions, literary programmes, workshops and creative encounters.
Supporting the festival is an opportunity to jointly contribute to the development of an inspiring cultural programme in Belgrade and to create unforgettable artistic experiences for audiences.
Festival Sponsorship Packages
Main Festival Partner
  • Exclusive position as main partner
  • Logo on all festival materials
  • Prominent promotion in media and communications
  • Opportunity to organise a special event
Gold Partner
  • Logo on promotional materials
  • Brand presence at key events
  • Promotion through the festival's digital channels
  • Visibility in festival spaces
Programme Partner
  • Support for a specific programme segment (music, literature, workshops)
  • Brand presence at that programme's events
  • Promotion through festival communication channels
Festival Friend
  • Support for the realisation of the festival
  • Logo on the festival website
  • Inclusion in the partner acknowledgement programme
Special Collaboration Opportunities
Concert Partner
Exhibition Partner
Educational Programme Partner
Art & Wellbeing Partner
Youth Programme Partner
Why Support the BUPBAP Festival?
Connecting Your Brand with Art
An opportunity to associate your brand with creativity and a contemporary cultural event, reaching an inspired and educated audience
Developing Belgrade's Cultural Scene
By supporting the festival, you directly contribute to the development of Belgrade's vibrant cultural life and the creation of new artistic experiences
Unique Artistic Encounters
The festival brings together different artistic disciplines and generations, providing a unique platform for collaboration and innovation
Our Team
Behind the BUPBAP Festival stands a dedicated team of artists, authors and collaborators who share a common passion for art, creativity and cultural encounters.
Olja Jacobs, Artistic Director
Phone: +381 69 771 173
Dr Jelena Đorđević, Creative Director
Phone: +381 62 773 886