An international Shibari festival in the heart of the Balkans

About BalkanBound

BalkanBound brings together artists, educators, and enthusiasts from across the Balkans. We foster a safe and inspiring environment for knowledge exchange, scene development, and cultural dialogue. Expect performances, workshops, talks, and community activities that highlight the diversity and creativity of contemporary Shibari.

Safety and Care

We prioritize informed consent, ethical practice, and a supportive community. On‑site volunteers and care coordinators are available to help.

Inclusivity

We welcome diverse bodies, experiences, and identities. Formats are available for all levels — from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Knowledge Exchange

Workshops, discussions, and curated sessions help participants grow technically and artistically while expanding their professional network.

Our Journey

2013 — present

MoscowBound Festival

Launched in 2013 and curated by Vlada Vedmovskaya, MoscowBound became a cornerstone event that nurtured community, practice standards, and artistic development.

2018 — present

MoscowKnot International

Since 2018, the MoscowKnot international event has connected practitioners and audiences, further popularizing Shibari in Russia and abroad.

Spring 2025

First Balkan Shibari Festival

Founded by Vlada Vedmovskaya, BalkanBound — Spring 2025 launched the region’s first dedicated Shibari festival and set a new tradition.

Fall 2025

Growing the Tradition

The current edition expands programming, welcomes more international artists, and strengthens cultural ties across the Balkans.

Organizers

Vlada Vedmovskaya

A Russian artist and Shibari master who practices and teaches bondage as an aesthetic and artistic discipline. A self‑taught creative photographer known for provocative Shibari photosets that merge beauty and shock. With around 20 years of experience, she performs and teaches at international festivals and is widely recognized as a world‑class master.

Vlada organized major events — the MoscowBound festival and the international MoscowKnot — both pivotal in popularizing Shibari in Russia and beyond. In 2025 she founded the first dedicated Shibari festival in the Balkans, BalkanBound — Spring 2025, which laid the foundation for the ongoing BalkanBound tradition.

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NekoNeko Studio

A Shibari studio located in the very heart of Belgrade, dedicated to the art of ropes and creative exploration. The space regularly hosts intimate performances where international and local artists share their unique approaches, classes for beginners and advanced practitioners who want to deepen their skills, and community-driven Shibari jams where people can meet, practice, and connect in a safe and inspiring environment. More than just a studio, it is a cultural hub that brings together art, body expression, and human connection through the language of ropes.

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What to Expect

Performances by artists from the Balkans and local collectives
Workshops from beginner to advanced levels
Panel discussions, artist talks, and networking
Community events, safe‑space practice, and newcomer support

Tickets Schedule

Partners

Thanks to our partners for their support