Nothing (:) Made in Yugoslavia

This research on Yugoslav experimental art practices and their relationship to economic, artistic, and symbolic value offers critical insights into contemporary policy debates on sustainable development and European integration. By interrogating the politics of value, the study highlights how alternative epistemologies—rooted in non-market-driven artistic experimentation—can inform discussions on cultural sustainability (SDG 11), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and inclusive economic models (SDG 8).

In the context of EU integration, the research provides a framework for understanding cultural production beyond commodification, contributing to policies that align with the EU’s Creative Europe program and the broader European Green Deal. By exploring the intersections of art, decolonial aesthetics, and economic critique, it underscores the role of culture in fostering social cohesion and participatory democracy, both of which are fundamental to the EU’s enlargement strategy and commitments to the Western Balkans.

Ultimately, this study demonstrates how experimental art practices function as spaces of resistance and innovation, offering policy lessons on cultural heritage preservation, economic pluralism, and the democratization of knowledge. These insights are particularly relevant for EU policies on cultural diplomacy, knowledge production, and sustainable cultural economies, reinforcing the importance of critical artistic interventions in shaping inclusive and resilient societies.