PitchWise Festival

What it is

PitchWise calls itself a festival of women's art and activism. It started as a meeting point for feminist artists, activists and theorists in a country where, according to the organisers, few places existed for such work. Today it runs for four days each September and mixes culture with political discussion. Its programme draws people from across the former Yugoslavia and from further afield. Organisers say that since 2005 more than 5,000 people have joined: artists, activists and feminists who work for equality and social justice. Anyone may come, whatever their age, background or identity.

Origins and history

The first PitchWise took place in September 2005. It was started by activists from the CURE Foundation, who wanted somewhere for feminist art and activism to be seen and discussed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rather than wait for a dedicated venue, they used public buildings that had been left unused, among them the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and turned them into gathering places for socially engaged artists, activists and theorists. What began as a local answer to a local gap has widened over the years into an international event, with guests arriving from the countries of the former Yugoslavia and from other parts of the world.

What happens

Each edition lasts four days. Workshops come first, taking up self-defence, mental health and creative work. Panel discussions follow, on violence against women, women's rights and the state of feminist movements. Exhibitions put work by women artists and collectives on the walls, and film screenings show documentaries about women's lives. Evenings bring theatre, music and dance with feminist themes. Alongside the planned programme there are public actions: street performances and installations that passers-by can join. Organisers call the atmosphere open, and say the festival works hard to reach women from Roma communities, LGBTQ+ people and people who came through war and violence.

What it means

For the people who come, PitchWise means that women's art and women's arguments deserve a public stage. Creativity is treated as a route to social change, tied to the daily struggles of women, Roma communities, LGBTQ+ people and those who survived the war. Using buildings that would otherwise stand idle turns a shortage into a statement. The organisers' own aim is to give women room to talk, to recover and to build confidence, and to show that such room can be made rather than waited for.

How PitchWise Festival is kept

The CURE Foundation runs the festival, and activists, artists and theorists take part. Across four days each September, the programme moves from workshops to panel discussions, then to exhibitions, film screenings and evening performances, closing with public actions in the street. Topics range from self-defence and mental health to violence against women and feminist organising. The Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina serves as the main venue, while other events spread through public spaces in the city. Organisers say the days are open to all ages and backgrounds.

When and where

PitchWise falls in September each year and lasts four days. The first edition was held in September 2005. The sources do not fix the exact dates, so the month is the reliable marker. Organisers have kept the same four-day shape from the start.

The festival belongs to Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it has been held every year since 2005. Its main home is the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Other events take place in public spaces around Sarajevo, chosen so that more people can reach them and see them. Participants also travel in from the former Yugoslavia and from other countries.

What PitchWise Festival means

For the people who come, PitchWise means that women's art and women's arguments deserve a public stage. Creativity is treated as a route to social change, tied to the daily struggles of women, Roma communities, LGBTQ+ people and those who survived the war. Using buildings that would otherwise stand idle turns a shortage into a statement. The organisers' own aim is to give women room to talk, to recover and to build confidence, and to show that such room can be made rather than waited for.

Questions people ask about PitchWise Festival

See also

PysankaA wax-resist egg decorating tradition kept by Slavic communities for Easter and spring renewal.KoliadaA traditional winter caroling and solstice festival kept across Slavic EuropeMedjugorje International Youth FestivalA six-day August gathering of Catholic youth in Medjugorje, Bosnia and HerzegovinaMerlinka FestivalAn annual queer film festival held across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro

Good reading and sources

• PitchWise Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-14.