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. The project partners include platform Serbia Creates, Union of Macedonian Professional Association for Creative Industries – UMPACI and associate the City of Banja Luka.

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 Western Balkans Creative Industries Network was held in June 2025 in Belgrade. On this occasion, it was concluded that the creative industries and innovation hold tremendous potential for regional cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and the creation of a vibrant creative ecosystem, as well as for strengthening the region’s international positioning and enabling shared economic and technological progress.

Partners from France also participated in the founding gathering, including Center 104 in Paris and BAAZAR from Lille, both known for their innovative approaches and unique institutional models (creativity and the creative economy). Additionally, Creative Denmark and Bloxhub from Copenhagen, recognized leaders in their respective fields, took part as well, further enhancing mutual connections and the exchange of experiences.

These partnerships offer invaluable inspiration and insights. The aim of this collaboration is to jointly apply for European grants, connect with their creative communities, increase mobility for professionals and artists, and develop new joint projects and programs.
During their stay in Belgrade, all members of the Network also visited the construction site of Ložionica, the first creative and innovation hub in Serbia.

The second meeting of the partners of the Western Balkans Creative Industries Network was held on the sidelines of the Fourth International Forum for Creative Industries in Skopje, organized by UMPAKI under the theme “Innovation and Creativity as Capital in the Creative Economy.”

The Union of Macedonian Associations in the Creative Industries (UMPAKI), founded in 2016 in Skopje, is a leading platform for connecting and developing the creative sector in the region. UMPAKI’s mission is to unite and represent professionals and organizations in the creative industries in North Macedonia, with the aim of enhancing the country’s success in creative industries both domestically and internationally. UMPAKI advocates for key issues important to its creative community, such as creative careers, skills development, and the importance of entrepreneurship and growth. It brings its members together to foster valuable connections and collaborations that spark new ideas and support both artistic and commercial success.

UMPAKI has organized the International Forum for Creative Cultural Entrepreneurship in Skopje for four consecutive years. Since 2019, it has also organized the Video Games Playground project annually, aimed at school children to develop their skills in video game creation and its convergence with film. Additionally, for the second year in a row, UMPAKI is organizing the Creative Business Cup.

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 • UMPACI, Union of Macedonian Associations in the Creative Industries Skopje, North Macedonia • 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  • 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.