10 Years of DUK Festival: How Čačak Became the Capital of Street Art!
Imagine a city that was gray and dull for a decade, with no artistic spirit on its streets. Čačak was exactly that – a city without color, without life on its facades. But then came the DUK Festival, or Days of Urban Culture, and everything exploded in color, creativity, and energy!
How did it all start?
Ten years ago, a group of young enthusiasts in Čačak decided not to wait for someone else to bring change. They built the first skate park in western Serbia and organized the first graffiti jam in the city. This was the beginning of something that would forever change Čačak’s visual identity.
Murals that tell stories
Over the past decade, more than 50 artists from around the world – from Japan, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Spain to Peru – have painted Čačak’s facades. These murals are not just pictures; they are a time machine telling stories about people, community, and change. They have become an unmissable “open-air gallery” that attracts attention and changes the city’s perception.
A festival that became an institution
The DUK Festival is not just an art event. It is a socio-cultural movement that has organized numerous concerts, skateboarding competitions, and other events that brought together young and old, artists and audiences. The festival has become one of the most significant street art festivals in this part of Europe.
Exhibition in Belgrade: DUK x 2025
To celebrate ten years of success, a retrospective exhibition titled “DUK x 2025” will open on June 27 at the Belgrade Silosi. The exhibition will last ten days and will feature stories, anecdotes, interviews with artists from Serbia and abroad, as well as a monograph with all murals and stories about the festival’s origin.
What does the festival mean for the community?
Murals are not just art on walls – they have changed how people experience their city. Citizens testify that these artistic spaces have become places of gathering, inspiration, and pride. The festival proves that art can be a powerful tool for social change.
Is Čačak now an art center?
Definitely! The DUK Festival has transformed a city not known for street art into a true capital of creativity and youthful spirit. If you thought murals were just graffiti, think again – this is a real cultural revolution!
Bonus: Opening with DJs and merch
The exhibition opening will feature performances by well-known Belgrade DJs Dejan Milićević and Ivi Arifaj, and visitors will be able to buy exclusive festival merch. Who said art can’t be fun?
Conclusion
The DUK Festival proves that when young people take initiative, they can create miracles. Čačak is now a city that breathes art, and DUK is the festival that made it possible. If you’ve ever been to Čačak, you’ve surely noticed those colorful facades telling stories. If not, it’s time to change that!
So, do you think your city deserves its own DUK? Or is it just another trend that will pass? Share your thoughts, maybe you have the idea for the next mural!
