Jems
The Creative Children’s Centre IDEM, a one-of-a-kind facility in this part of Europe, co-financed as part of the INNATUS project was officially opened on 3 July 2026 in Ernestinovo. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, led by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
The newly opened centre features a multimedia hall for performances, conferences and public events, four modern classrooms equipped for creative workshops and STEM activities, exhibition space, and dedicated offices for local associations. In total, the facility offers more than 1,200 square metres dedicated to children, young people and the wider community.
A standout feature of the centre is its state-of-the-art equipment, including next-generation virtual reality (VR) technology. These innovative tools will enable children to experience local traditions and naïve art in an entirely new, interactive way, positioning the centre among the region’s most advanced cultural and educational facilities.
The centre will provide opportunities for children and young people to develop skills through STEM education, digital programmes, visual arts and sculpture workshops. At the same time, local associations, independent artists and cultural institutions will gain a modern platform for collaboration, creativity and community engagement.
Mayor of the Municipality of Ernestinovo, Marijana Junušić, highlighted the project’s significance: “The true value of this centre cannot be measured in square metres. Its greatest value lies in the children who will grow up here in a stimulating environment, developing their talents, creativity and innovative thinking. Art does not only shape works of art—it shapes people.”
She also emphasised the long-term importance of investing in children: “Investing in children is the best investment we can make in our future. We are entrusting them with today’s world, and it is our responsibility to leave it better than we found it. I sincerely thank everyone who believed in this project, supported us and helped make it a reality.”
Where Heritage Meets Innovation
The Creative Children’s Centre IDEM is far more than an infrastructure investment—it responds directly to the needs of the local community. Until now, children and young people from Ernestinovo and neighbouring communities had to travel to larger cities to access comparable educational and cultural opportunities. The new centre changes that by providing a local space where they can learn, create and develop their talents while strengthening the wider community.
For decades, Ernestinovo has been recognised for its rich tradition of sculpture and naïve art. The new centre builds on this heritage by providing a permanent home for existing cultural activities while creating opportunities for intergenerational learning, preservation of cultural identity and the development of contemporary artistic expression through modern technologies.
A Cross-Border Vision for Regional Revitalisation
The long-term vision of the INNATUS project extends well beyond the construction of a single building. The project aims to position naïve art as a driver of sustainable revitalisation across the Croatia–Serbia cross-border region.
Alongside the new centre in Ernestinovo, the project is renovating the Interactive Cultural Centre within the Croatian National Council building in Subotica, Serbia. The renovated facility will focus on preserving and promoting the traditional art of straw craftsmanship. Together, the two centres will create a cross-border cultural and tourism corridor that combines cultural heritage with innovation and contemporary creative industries.
Reflecting on the project’s completion, Mayor Marijana Junušić concluded: “For years we carefully planned, designed and developed every aspect of this project, whose value equals almost five annual municipal budgets. Today, we are not simply opening a new building—we are opening the door to our children’s future. We may be a small municipality in terms of size and population, but our ambitions have never been small. Today we demonstrate that the biggest dreams are often realised in the smallest communities.”
With the opening of the Creative Children’s Centre IDEM, Ernestinovo sends a clear message that vibrant cultural and creative life can flourish in smaller communities. The centre is expected to attract visitors, artists and partners from across the region, while contributing to local economic development and strengthening cross-border cooperation.
The INNATUS project is co-financed through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia–Serbia Programme under Specific Objective RSO4.6, which supports the role of culture and sustainable tourism in promoting economic development, social inclusion and social innovation.
