Brought in at the brink of cancellation, I turned Trenčín’s bid into a winning European Capital of Culture 2026 project within 24 months and led its transition into implementation. As the director of candidacy and implementation of Trenčín 2026 in years 2020 – 2023 I led a core team of 25 individuals and a wider team of 80+ international experts of various backgrounds.
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.
Photo: Matej Slezák