The Matica Srpska from Novi Sad
The Matica Srpska from Novi Sad is the oldest literary, cultural, and scientific institution of the Serbs. It was founded in Pest (today's Budapest, Hungary) on February 4/16, 1826. It is the oldest Matica in the world since it was a model for the establishment of other Maticas in the world. It was founded with the basic idea of securing the existence of Letopis Matice Srpske (Matica Srpska Chronicle), the oldest Serbian living literary journal, which was launched in 1824 by professor Georgije Magarašević from Novi Sad. The main reasons for the Matica Srpska establishment were national homogenization, enlightenment, as well as publishing of Serbian books. The Matica Srpska was moved from Pest to Novi Sad in 1864.
The Matica Srpska prepares publications of major importance for Serbian culture and science, such as the Serbian Encyclopedia, Serbian Biographical Dictionary, Dictionary of the Serbian Language, and Serbian Orthography. It cooperates with many institutions and individuals from all over the world.
The Matica Srpska gathers over 2,000 associates within seven departments – the Department of Literature and Language, the Department of Lexicography, the Department of Social Sciences, the Department of Natural Sciences, the Department of Fine Arts, the Department of Stage Arts and Music, and the Manuscript Department. It publishes 11 scientific journals.
The Matica Srpska Library has more than 4,500,000 publications and the Gallery of Matica Srpska has a rich collection of Serbian paintings from the 18th to the 20th century. The Matica Srpska Publishing Centre continues the tradition of the former Matica Srpska Publishing Company by publishing the edition of national importance – Ten Centuries of Serbian Literature.
Every year, the Matica Srpska recognizes the accomplishments in different fields of culture and science by giving various awards.
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