FIAT festival receives support call from Montenegrin President

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović has issued a public appeal to the Ministry of Culture and Media to grant the International Festival of Alternative Theatre (FIAT) the status of a manifestation of special importance to Montenegrin culture. Milatović emphasized that the festival has served as a space for artistic freedom and has connected Montenegrin culture with international trends for decades.

In response to claims regarding political bias, the Ministry of Culture and Media defended its support for FIAT. The Ministry stated that it has provided significant and stable financial assistance, totaling 85,000 euros over the last three years, including allocations for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Additionally, the Ministry noted that the festival receives logistical support from the Montenegrin National Theatre through the use of its facilities. Officials asserted that funding is based on quality and established legal criteria rather than political affiliation, stating that “party memberships in culture ceased to matter in 2023.”