SKOPJE, September 12, 2025 – In the urban area of Skopje, at the well-known location of the small square near Kim, a new artistic-activist intervention titled “Turn off hate speech” has been installed.
The central object of the installation consists of a huge switch measuring 100x200x150 cm, symbolically represented as a button that citizens should press to turn off hate speech.
However, turning off hate speech is not an easy task in reality, which is why the installation symbolizes the impossibility of easily ridding ourselves of hate speech. For this reason, the button is protected by a wooden fence wrapped in barbed wire, highlighting the difficulty and impossibility of achieving this goal due to the obstacles created by those who spread hate speech. Additional symbolism is carried by the silhouettes of “guards”—figures of soldiers arranged around the switch, each bearing a sign with the names of the most common “sowers” of hate: political parties, extremists, social networks, “quasi-media,” and others.
With this action, the artists and activists are sending a message that although citizens have the will and desire to turn off hate speech, the systemic barriers and interests of the “guards” make this act almost impossible. The installation reflects the reality in which we live—the fight against hate speech is not simple; it requires unity, solidarity, and public pressure.
The purpose of setting up such artistic actions is not only to attract attention but also to initiate critical thought and debate among citizens. This is a call for everyone to become aware of how destructive hate speech is and how much joint action is needed to overcome it. The action once again reminds us that culture and art are powerful tools for change and the protection of democratic values.
The installation is located in a public space in the center of Skopje at the small square near Kim in Porta Bunjakovec, at the intersection of Leninova (Aminta Treti) street and Partizanski Odredi boulevard.
This action was prepared by the Contemporary Art Center – Skopje, as part of the Innovative Media’s “Diversity Network 2.0 – New Agenda” project.
