Renovated Belgrade Youth Center Plans for Opening Night
Located in the heart of Belgrade, the Youth Center serves as a venue for major cultural events targeted to the city’s youth, hosting over 700 events and over 180,000 visitors annually. The Center, which had become rundown over years of heavy use, was selected to receive $1 million in U.S. assistance for reconstruction through a short message service (SMS)/Internet voting competition which engaged thousands of citizens across Serbia.
Construction priorities were set in mid-2007 in consultation with representatives of the Youth Center; construction works began in January 2008, upon completion of the design and permit process. Priorities included the reconstruction of the multi-purpose “Pogon” hall, the centerpiece of the Youth Center and venue for the majority of the Center’s high-profile activities and events. The hall has served as a cultural catalyst—promoting new trends in music and art by providing space for concerts, performances of rock and roll groups and artists, jazz musicians, electronic music, hip hop and other music forms, and social activities. The Center has become the “in” place for youth clubbing and DJ culture.
The renovated Youth Center will feature a reconstructed stage, new snack buffet area, a VIP gallery, and an improved air conditioning/ventilation system. Most importantly, the installation of noise and light isolation will enable the Center to attract artists previously deterred by the venue’s poor physical and technical conditions. Exterior improvements will include the reconstruction of the façade and transformation of the mezzanine roof terrace and main entrance.
Center management has planned a new programmatic concept which they are eager to launch. “The opening of the renovated Youth Center and the Pogon hall will be a truly special moment. We are pondering about some big names and I can’t wait for this to be confirmed and made public,” said Milan Lucic, Director of the Youth Center.
U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter looks forward to opening night, when the modernized hall will open its doors to better serve the cultural needs of the youth of Serbia.
The Youth Center renovation project was made possible by the City of Belgrade in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy and is funded through USAID. U.S.-funded construction works are slated for completion in summer 2008.
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| Facility upgrades will enable the Belgrade venue to strengthen its position as a cultural hub for Serbia’s youth. |
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