Culture or Cash Burn? Ministry of Culture Dumps 13 Million Dinars into Renovating a Local Museum in Novi Miloševo!
Did you know that Serbia’s Ministry of Culture is throwing a whopping 13 million dinars at renovating a local museum in Novi Miloševo? Yes, you read that right – 13 million! And it’s not just any museum, but a former grain warehouse inside the Karačonji manor complex, which has been neglected and falling apart for decades.
What’s going on?
As part of the “Cities in Focus” program, the Ministry of Culture signed a contract with the Novi Bečej municipality to fund this project. Culture Minister Nikola Selaković praises the project as a shining example of preserving cultural heritage and improving cultural infrastructure in smaller communities. The municipality of Novi Bečej will also chip in financially.
Why Novi Miloševo?
Selaković points out that Novi Bečej is unique because it hosts several castles from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Although mostly devastated, these are cultural treasures of great value. The project aims to combine culture and tourism, breathing new life into these historic buildings.
How much has been invested so far?
The “Cities in Focus” program started in 2017, and since then, the Ministry of Culture has poured over 2.38 billion dinars into cultural infrastructure across Serbia. Many municipalities and cities have had the chance to renovate their most important cultural sites and launch new programs.
What do local officials say?
Novi Bečej’s mayor, Saša Maksimović, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s ongoing support and emphasized that this investment is the first step toward revitalizing the Karačonji manor complex, which holds significant tourist and cultural potential for the entire region.
Is this a smart investment?
While some celebrate the investment in preserving cultural heritage, others wonder if 13 million dinars for renovating a single museum in a small town is justified, especially when many other sectors are crying out for funds. Will this project truly bring prosperity and boost tourism, or will it end up as another neglected site?
The Bottom Line
The Ministry of Culture and local authorities are investing serious money in preserving tradition and cultural heritage, but the question remains – will the people of Novi Miloševo and the wider region actually benefit from these investments? Or is this just another example of money being spent on projects that might not deliver the expected results?
Got thoughts on this? Know of other similar cases? Drop a comment and stir the pot a little. Who knows, your take might just spark the conversation everyone’s been waiting for!
