Facts About Exit
Exit is a prominent summer music festival held at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. Since its inception in 2000, the festival has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including "Best Major Festival" at the European Festivals Awards in 2013 and 2017, and "Best European Festival" at the UK Festival Awards in 2007. Originally conceived as a student movement advocating for democracy and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans, Exit has maintained a strong emphasis on social responsibility.
Initially, the festival took place in a university park in Novi Sad but moved to the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress in 2001, where it has remained ever since. Despite changes over the years, including a management shift in 2007 that altered its political focus, Exit has consistently promoted social responsibility.
International acclaim for Exit has poured in from major publications such as The Observer, The Guardian, CNN, and Euronews, solidifying its status as a premier global music festival. In 2018, BBC News highlighted Exit as one of the world's largest music festivals, attracting attendees from over 60 countries. Additionally, Forbes recognized Serbia's growing status as a festival hotspot, significantly due to Exit's influence.
Beyond the music, Exit has been acknowledged for promoting regional cooperation and enhancing urban identity. In 2018, the Regional Cooperation Council awarded Exit the title of Champion of Regional Cooperation for its efforts in fostering unity and collaboration in the Balkans.
In 2020, Exit planned an expansion, organizing events across Southeast Europe in countries such as Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, and Serbia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the postponement of some events to 2021, while others remained uncertain. Despite these challenges, Exit continues to be a vital cultural institution with a rich history and an outstanding global reputation in the music festival realm.