Serbia's "Borka Pavićević" award honors seven for public gestures

Seven individuals and groups have been honored with the "Borka Pavićević" award for public gestures in 2026, recognizing their significant contributions across various fields in Serbia.

The jury selected recipients from over 80 nominations, acknowledging their impactful actions and engagement. The Archive of Public Gatherings received an award for its creative and scientific methodology in determining the actual number of citizens attending protests. Vladan Đokić, Rector of the University of Belgrade, was recognized for his public stance following a police incursion into the Rectorate and for defending university autonomy.

Visual artists Vladan Joler and Stevan Kojić were honored for their project that collects, analyzes, and visualizes data on political violence and brutality, using this as a basis for artistic expression and the right to research. Playwright and activist Maja Pelević received the award for her dedicated solidarity politics, connecting artistic and social activism within self-organized collective initiatives.

Further recipients include NeBitef 2025, specifically its selector Miloš Lolić and curatorial team, for uniting the cultural community in a solidarity response to repression and censorship. Marija Vasić, a teacher from the "Jovan Jovanović Zmaj" Gymnasium in Novi Sad, was awarded for her uncompromising fight in critically defending and critiquing institutions. The "Borka Pavićević" award, established in 2024, is presented in collaboration with the Polish Institute in Belgrade.