Voices in Zagreb
In late February 2025, the Voices festival brought its energy to Zagreb. Journalists, creators, students, and engaged citizens filled the Museum of Contemporary Art for three days of urgent conversations, hands-on learning, and fun.
Together, we explored the biggest challenges facing the media, built practical skills in workshops, and celebrated new voices at the Speakers’ Corner. A major highlight was the launch of our first Live Student Newsroom, where the next generation of journalists reported on the event with full independence.
This edition strengthened our strong belief that supporting free media and fighting misinformation requires a community effort. Zagreb was a powerful step in building that community across Europe, creating connections that will last long after the festival ended. The work continues, and the momentum from Zagreb will fuel our upcoming gatherings in Florence, Thessaloniki, and beyond.
Programme
The festival programme was a vibrant blend of lively debate, free workshops, five diverse exhibitions, and a dedicated Voices Cinema that ran for all three days. The experience was enriched by live music, a lively pub quiz, and a fair area filled with interactive activities.
During the event, the festival also hosted the Voices Awards ceremony, which honoured ten outstanding candidates with prizes—five for promising journalists and five for media literacy advocates and projects.
One of the festival’s most moving moments was a spontaneous protest by journalism students in Zagreb, who stood in solidarity with their peers fighting for justice in Serbia.
Exhibitions
5 photojournalism exhibitions, 5 untold stories, now revealed
From the hard conditions faced by patients in Moldova’s mental health institutions to the lives of migrant sex workers in Denmark, see the themes of the exhibitions we featured and meet the authors behind.
Live from Zagreb
In Zagreb, our very first live Student Newsroom came to life thanks to the dedication of students and professors at the Faculty of Political Science in Zagreb.
During the festival, these talented young professionals took over our YouTube channel to deliver live coverage, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. Their fresh perspectives and journalistic skills truly brought the festival to life.
This partnership with Televizija Student went far beyond coverage. It became an integral part of the festival, enriching the experience for everyone.
Watch their coverage below and experience the festival through their eyes!
Video credits to: Televizija Student videojournalists Petra Sokić, Antonela Besednik, Ela Hamzić, Franka Ivić, Sara Harjač, Eva Veselić, Sara Babić, Ivana Perušić, Anamaria Miličić, Sanda Božićev, Helena Lucija Vuković, Viktorija Kristić, Nina Čepo, Marko Kralj, Rino Jurić, Patricija Budiščak, Lorena Knežević, Luka Papa Stubbs, Ana Morena Jović, Filip Kolar, Martina Fulanović, Martin Zadravec, Ema Skroban, Lucija Janušić, Tamara Cvitkušić, and Vito Derdić.
Zagreb edition
National Coordinator in Croatia – Zoran Pehar
Spatial design concept, Organization, Production – Mirna Horvat
Concept, Graphic Design, Production – Irene Oddo
Graphic Design – Giorgio Giamberini
Technical Production – Fakat. (Project Leader Marko Radović)
Graphic Production – Majc Event (Project Leader Leon Majcenić)
Technical Setup – Kunsttrans Zagreb
Technical Support – MSU (Museum of Contemporary Art) / HRT (Croatian Radiotelevision) / Prostoria
Thanks to
Maja Sever (President of TUCJ), Andrea Čović Vidović (Commission Representation in Croatia), Barbara Peranić (European Parliament Office in Zagreb), Martina Csiffary (Zagreb Tourist Board)
Special Thanks
To all professors and students from the Faculties of Journalism and Communications from Zagreb, Osijek, Split and Dubrovnik
To all the volunteers for their great help in the realisation of this project.
Upcoming edition
We are now working on the programme of the third edition in Florence 2026. Stay tuned!


