Project Description

The Creative Industries Network in the Western Balkans

Bringing together creative hubs, organizations, and initiatives of the Western Balkans

Networking is the key

The Creative Industries Network in the Western Balkans (CI Network WB) is an ambitious initiative aimed at establishing a network of creative minds – hubs, organisations and initiatives within the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) of the WB. The ultimate goal of the project is to become the main platform for networking and partnership-building among CCI professionals and organisations in WB region and beyond.

Project description

In the dynamic landscape of the WB region, creative industries professionals face unique challenges in navigating the intersection of creativity and market. With limited grant opportunities and resources and a scattered industry, they often work alone, missing chances to team up and expand.

Recognizing this demanding need for connectivity and support, the CI Network WB emerges as a encouragement of innovation and collaboration. This groundbreaking initiative aims to transcend geographical and sectoral boundaries, providing a physical and virtual space where creativity thrives and business insight flourishes. By offering a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action, the CI Network WB endeavors to redefine the narrative of CI in the region.

The first, founding meeting of the Creative Industries Network of the Western Balkans was held in June 2025 in Belgrade. During this occasion, all members of the Network visited the construction site of the Lozionica, the first creative-innovative center in Serbia.

The second meeting of the partners of the Creative Industries Network of the Western Balkans was held at the Fourth International Forum for Creative Industries in Skopje, North Macedonia, on the topic “Innovation and Creativity as Capital in the Creative Economy.”

The Banja Luca meet-up marks the third gathering of the partners Network / UMPACI, Banja Luca City and Serbia Creates – to plan future activites and collaborative initiatives. This gathering served as a „think-thank“, encouraging ongoing discussions and agreement.

Members of the network

Ložionica, Center for Creativity and Inovation, Serbia • Creative District Novi Sad, Serbia • Rog Centar, Slovenia • Peoples Open University Varazdin, Croatia • The Development Agency SI-MO-RA, Croatia • City of Banja Luka, Republica Srpska, Bosnia and Hercegovina • UMPACI, Union of Macedonian Associations in the Creative Industries Skopje, North Macedonia • Creative Industries Agency Municipality of Tirana, Albania • CIM Forum Kotor, Montenegro • Kotor ART Festival, Montenegro

Recent News

  • Fоrum for ci in skopje: The region needs a cohesive creative ecosystem

    Fоrum for ci in skopje: The region needs a cohesive creative ecosystem

  • Strengthening Collaboration: Creative industries Network gathers in Banja Luka

    Strengthening Collaboration: Creative industries Network gathers in Banja Luka

  • The First Regional Creative Network Established in Belgrade

    The First Regional Creative Network Established in Belgrade

Creative industries Network Western Balkans is supported by UNESCO, through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs), a project funded by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.