The Kontakt 2026 conference once again gathered key regional stakeholders in Belgrade, with this year’s program highlighting strong interest in Croatian support models for the music industry. The We Move Music Croatia delegation utilized the two-day visit for an exchange of expertise, focusing on the sustainability of the club scene and the international development of artists.

WMMC’s AJMO! as a Model of Best Practice

The AJMO! project—designed to support and develop concert activities in smaller cities and implemented by WMMC in cooperation with the Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media—was a central theme in discussions regarding the relationship between the independent scene and institutional support. Alongside WMMC co-founder Dražen Baljak, project beneficiaries participated in the dialogue: Marija Fiamengo (PirkotovaLula), Ana Vukoja (retroPERSPEKTIVA), as well as Marko Fertelmeš and Matea Kosak (Udruga “Sunčani put”).

The beneficiaries highlighted firsthand how the co-funding model directly rescues concert activities in smaller communities, particularly outside the tourist season. During these periods, when cultural offerings significantly decline, such support models prove crucial for the continuity of the local concert scene. Comparisons with conditions in Serbia, where similar forms of systemic support are largely absent, sparked a broader dialogue on the need for sustainable funding mechanisms across the region.

Showcase Festivals as a Tool for International Breakthrough

The visit to Kontakt also served as a platform to discuss the international visibility of performers. At a panel on Balkan showcase opportunities, WMMC Executive Secretary Frane Tomašić clarified artist selection processes through examples from the SHIP festival and the office’s activities. The discussion provided practical information on structuring applications and utilizing programs like the European Talent Exchange, which remain essential prerequisites for a serious step onto European stages.