Culture SiTY

The project addresses increasing social polarisation, the spread of disinformation and weakening trust in public institutions. It also responds to the limited availability of stable and safe spaces where young people can meet, discuss issues and actively participate in cultural and community life. Another challenge identified by the project is the uneven level of media and information literacy within cultural institutions, as well as the limited capacity of libraries and local cultural centres to provide inclusive, dialogue-based and participatory formats. The project builds on capacities and experience developed in the context of Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture and seeks to transform these into longer-term structures and partnerships. Through culture, reading, youth participation and international cooperation, the project aims to strengthen democratic resilience, freedom of expression and inclusion, while improving the ability of local cultural institutions and professionals to respond to current social challenges.

The project aims to use culture, reading, youth participation and international cooperation as practical tools for strengthening democratic values, freedom of expression, inclusion and active participation in cultural and community life. One of its main areas of focus is promoting reading as a means of developing critical thinking and creating opportunities to discuss democratic values and freedom of expression. The project will also create and support safe and accessible spaces where young people can meet, develop ideas and organise their own activities. Another focus is inclusive and accessible cultural programming, including activities that bring together different groups and provide opportunities for disadvantaged people to participate. The project will further strengthen the capacities of cultural professionals, public cultural institution staff and other local actors through training, professional meetings, residencies, exchanges of experience and cooperation with Slovak and Norwegian partners. The activities will build on existing local capacities and seek to establish sustainable networks and practices beyond the project period.

The project aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient local society that is better equipped to respond to polarisation, disinformation and challenges to democratic values through culture, participation, networking and capacity building. An important expected result is stronger and more meaningful participation of young people in the preparation and organisation of cultural events, creating a basis for their longer-term involvement in cultural and community life. The project will also create opportunities for vulnerable and underrepresented groups, particularly young people, women, disadvantaged people and foreigners, and support safe spaces and dialogue-based formats that encourage inclusion and participation. Cultural and urban development professionals, staff of public cultural institutions and independent cultural centres will also benefit from capacity-building activities, professional exchanges and access to new knowledge and networks. The project further aims to establish sustainable cooperation and knowledge-sharing networks connecting Trenčín with other smaller Slovak cities and international partners, particularly from Norway and Iceland.