International “Tolerance” Exhibition Brings Messages of Inclusion and Dialogue to Leskovac

Leskovac, 21 May 2026 – The international travelling exhibition The Tolerance Project opened today in Leskovac on the occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Organized as part of the Europe Month 2026 programme under the theme United in Diversity, the exhibition brings messages of tolerance, inclusion and respect for diversity into the city’s public space.

The exhibition is organized by the United Nations in Serbia, the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and Europe House Niš, in cooperation with the City of Leskovac and the Leskovac Cultural Centre.

Originally created by internationally renowned designer and curator Mirko Ilić, The Tolerance Project brings together works by artists and designers from around the world, using visual communication and public space to encourage dialogue on tolerance, coexistence, human rights and social inclusion. Following last year’s edition in Belgrade, the exhibition now continues its journey across Serbia with its Leskovac edition.

The official opening gathered representatives of international organizations, local authorities, cultural institutions, youth representatives and media. Remarks were delivered by Matilde Mordt, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, Evgenija Giakoumopoulou, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Črtomir Peter Fišinger, Head of Political Department at the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, Goran Cvetanović, Mayor of Leskovac, and Sanja Conić, Director of the Leskovac Cultural Centre.

International partners participating in the event underscored the importance of promoting diversity, equality and inclusive dialogue, reaffirming that mutual respect, human rights and equal participation in society are fundamental to democratic and socially cohesive communities. They highlighted the need to strengthen efforts to combat discrimination, hate speech and intolerance, while ensuring that public spaces remain open, safe and accessible to diverse voices, perspectives and communities. Participants also emphasized the importance of fostering social dialogue and cooperation among institutions, civil society and local communities in order to build a more inclusive and respectful society for all. 

The exhibition is displayed on the plateau in front of the Leskovac Cultural Centre, transforming one of the city’s central public spaces into an open-air platform for reflection and conversation accessible to all citizens and visitors.

The Leskovac edition forms part of the broader Europe Month 2026 programme taking place throughout Serbia, as well as the ongoing Tolerance initiative jointly promoted by the United Nations in Serbia, the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia to counter hate speech and promote inclusion through art, dialogue and public engagement.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors free of charge over the next two weeks.