Introduction

The October Salon (Oktobarski Salon) is Serbia's most prominent international exhibition of contemporary art. Founded in 1960 by the City of Belgrade, it was initially established as an annual showcase of the best works in fine arts from Serbian artists. The exhibition's name and traditional opening date commemorate October 20th, the anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade during World War II.

Throughout its history, the October Salon has evolved significantly, reflecting the shifting political, social, and cultural landscapes of Serbia. In 2004, the exhibition adopted an international focus, inviting global artists to participate alongside local creators. A decade later, in 2014, it transformed from an annual event into a biennial exhibition, better known as the Belgrade Biennale, expanding its scope and ambitions.

The Cultural Centre of Belgrade has been the longstanding organizer of the October Salon, collaborating with a rotating board appointed by the City of Belgrade. For each edition, an artistic director is selected who proposes a thematic concept, turning the exhibition into a critical platform for dialogue between Serbian and international art scenes.

Curatorial Approach

The October Salon follows a dynamic curatorial model that has evolved over its six-decade history. Each edition is guided by an appointed artistic director or curatorial team who proposes a unifying concept or theme. This approach allows the biennale to remain responsive to contemporary issues while maintaining its historical significance.

A distinctive feature of the October Salon is its emphasis on creating dialogue between local and international art scenes. By bringing together Serbian artists with creators from around the world, the exhibition creates a unique platform for cultural exchange and cross-pollination of ideas. This approach has helped position Belgrade as an important node in the global network of contemporary art.

In recent editions, the curatorial framework has expanded to include multiple venues throughout Belgrade, transforming the entire city into an exhibition space. This distributed model allows visitors to engage with the urban landscape as they travel between exhibition sites, creating a richer, more contextualized experience that highlights the relationship between art, architecture, and public space in the city.

Historical Context

The October Salon emerged during a pivotal period in Yugoslav history, reflecting the cultural policies of socialist Yugoslavia while maintaining a level of artistic freedom. As Serbia and the broader region underwent dramatic political transformations in the following decades, the Salon adapted to these changing circumstances, serving as both a mirror and a catalyst for cultural developments.

During the turbulent 1990s, as Yugoslavia disintegrated through a series of conflicts, the October Salon maintained its presence despite the challenging social and economic conditions. This period saw the exhibition focusing primarily on the local art scene, providing crucial support for Serbian artists during a time of international isolation.

The early 2000s marked a significant turning point, as the exhibition opened up to broader international participation in 2004. This shift coincided with Serbia's efforts to reconnect with the global community after years of isolation and reflected broader processes of democratization and cultural renewal. The transformation into a biennial format in 2014 was another milestone, signaling the exhibition's ambition to establish itself more firmly on the international biennial circuit.

Notable Editions

The October Salon has presented many significant exhibitions over its long history, with each edition reflecting contemporary artistic trends and socio-political contexts. Here are some notable recent editions that highlight the evolution and impact of this important cultural event.

60th Edition: "What's Left?" (2024)

This milestone anniversary edition featured three international curatorial teams presenting different concepts: "Trace," "Aesthetic(s) of Encounter(s)," and "Hope is a Discipline," questioning what remains after large-scale exhibitions.

59th Edition (2022)

Curated by Zorana Đaković Minniti, this edition explored the artistic, historical, social, and political contexts that the October Salon has embodied throughout its history, emphasizing thinking about possible spaces for a better common life.

58th Edition: "The Dreamers" (2021)

Curated by Ilaria Marotta and Andrea Baccin, this edition questioned the misleading nature of reality and explored dreams as spaces of freedom, featuring works from international artists displayed across multiple venues in Belgrade.

57th Edition: "The Marvellous Cacophony" (2018)

Curated by Gunnar B. Kvaran and Danielle Kvaran, this edition celebrated diversity in contemporary art, featuring artists from Yoko Ono to Bjarne Melgaard and Olafur Eliasson to Cindy Sherman in various venues throughout Belgrade.