Survival through Synergy: How a Creative Economy Model Transformed the Serbian Library Association

Abstract

In 2025, the Serbian Library Association faced a critical turning point when state funding was withdrawn following the Association's vocal support for civic democratic initiatives. Rather than scaling back, the Association leveraged this crisis as a catalyst for systemic transformation, developing an innovative "creative economy" model to ensure institutional sustainability.

Moving away from traditional dependency on state grants, the Association established a robust collaborative framework with diverse cultural institutions and civil society organizations. This poster illustrates how this "partnership first" approach enabled the launch of interdisciplinary programs focusing on memory culture, social change, and the evolving status of cultural workers. By sharing physical resources, expertise, and digital platforms, the Association not only maintained its operations but expanded its reach, offering multi-perspective solutions to complex social issues.

The Serbian case serves as a scalable roadmap for library associations operating in volatile political or economic climates. It demonstrates that by embracing adaptability and the creative economy, library organizations can transform from vulnerable entities into resilient, independent hubs of democratic engagement. Attendees will learn practical strategies for building sustainable networks that prioritize civic values over financial dependency.