Inside a €1M Creative Europe project: what building EMERGENCY EXIT actually took.
It all started in September 2021 with a call from my dear friend Ida Siljanovic, the Programme Manager at the Exit Foundation, and her colleague Marija (Zmaja) Popović. They envisioned a project aimed at securing funding from the European Commission through Creative Europe, inspired by Dusan Kovacevic, the co-founder and CEO of Exit Festival. At that moment, I was excited to help, but I had no idea how transformative this journey would become.
As a consultant, my role became pivotal in building the project. I initially brought on board La Fura dels Baus and Buro Nuvo, forming a robust partnership alongside confirmed allies like Boom Festival in Portugal, Exit Festival, Sea Star Festival and the Exit Foundation as our lead partner. This collaboration allowed us to submit a strong application, and in July 2024, we received the thrilling news: a €1M grant!
Our mission was clear: to create a project within the performing arts that resonates with music and community. In the next phase, we developed a brand that distilled Dusan's vision into a bold message: "Peace on earth, peace with earth." This initiative aimed to inspire action and foster change.
During this phase, I built and ensured brand identity consistency across various platforms and global markets. Under the artistic direction of La Fura Dels Baus, we collaborated with EYESBERG Studio (AV) and Satori Musica for music production, culminating in a remarkable performance. This journey highlighted the power of teamwork and a horizontal collaborative structure, proving that every contribution matters.
The results of our efforts include:
- 4 international shows at major European festivals: EXIT (Serbia), Boom Festival (Portugal), Sea Star Festival (Croatia), and Les Festes de La Mercè (Barcelona) through Ajuntament de Barcelona.
- 2 engaging panels at Amsterdam Dance Event - ADE (Amsterdam) and the Bridge Conference (Umag, Croatia).
- 3 workshops/masterclasses held in Novi Sad, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
- Collaborations with innovative projects and brands, such as REMEDIES and Foamersbrand.
This journey has underscored the importance of collaboration, creativity, and community. Together, we've not only brought art to life but also sparked conversations and actions that pave the way for change. Grateful to everyone who has been part of this incredible adventure!