From crisis to winning the European Capital of Culture competition
As the director of candidacy and implementation of Trenčín 2026 I led a core team of 25 individuals and a wider team of 80+ international experts of various backgrounds. I was asked to join the process by the mayor of Trenčín at a moment of crisis, when the city wanted to cancel its candidacy. I turned this state into a winning bid and Trenčín is today the ECoC for 2026.
I lead the existing team towards creating a winning bid in 15 months (out of 24 months) and competition of 8 cities. The conceptual process involved a series of interactive/participative workshops, sessions and discussions and involvement of relevant international experts, artists, curators, cultural managers.
Trenčín 2026 bid was also successful thanks to its complex fundraising strategy combining local and national government income, international grants, tenders, sponsorship, ticketing and other self-generated income. Involving biggest employers in the country, local creative businesses, universities, environmental and diversity
organisations and strong political support were also key to realistic prospects for implementation.
After obtaining the ECoC title, I have set up a new non-profit organisation which is now implementing the project. I have led the recruitment process for 25 internal team members and 34 external collaborators. I was overseeing all legal obligations of the organisation towards all stakeholders and I was responsible directly to the Board of Trustees.
Lucia Dubačová 