Contemporary Culture Forum: Research-Driven Insights and Strategies

The project aims to strengthen the cultural sector in Slovakia through a more contemporary understanding of culture and its role in society. It responds to the growing need to address conflicts and tensions in society, which are often overlooked or dealt with in a fragmented manner. The lack of a shared understanding of culture leads to misunderstandings, oversimplified approaches and short-term solutions. Drawing on diverse perspectives and in-depth theoretical analysis, the project seeks to provide practical recommendations and guidance. Its ambition is to support policymakers, cultural institutions and practitioners in developing more inclusive, informed and sustainable cultural strategies, while also contributing to a broader philosophical discussion on the role and significance of culture in contemporary society.

Existing models of how the cultural sector operates are becoming outdated or losing their relevance in relation to contemporary realities, as they fail to reflect local specificities and the changing social context. As a result, the cultural sector faces uncertainty about its future direction, further exacerbated by the persistent gap between theoretical (academic) reflection and cultural practice. This situation is reflected in the functioning of institutions, the development of public policies and the way communities perceive their cultural environment. Across the sector, strategic visions are lacking, outdated institutional arrangements persist, and there is an absence of systematic research and effective mechanisms for engaging diverse communities in meaningful cultural participation. The sector struggles to adapt to broader societal transformations, including social polarisation, environmental challenges, technological change and declining public trust in democratic institutions. Issues of poverty and socially excluded communities are also rarely integrated into cultural discussions as part of a broader, interconnected perspective. Both public and independent institutions lack the information and methodological frameworks needed to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.

The project seeks not only to provide an up-to-date theoretical reflection on the current state of culture, but also to move from identifying problems towards concrete action, and from analysis towards practical solutions that directly address the systemic shortcomings identified. It will provide public and independent institutions with knowledge and methodological frameworks that are currently lacking, enabling them to respond more effectively to environmental crises, technological transformations and a changing society. In pursuing these objectives, the project will work closely with Norwegian partners at every stage, from developing a shared vision and conducting contextual research to preparing concrete recommendations. The project outputs aim to strengthen cultural development in Slovakia while also serving as a source of inspiration for the cultural sectors in Norway and other countries.

The project focuses on strengthening the cultural sector by connecting research, professional reflection, practical experience from the cultural field and the needs of public administration, with the aim of developing sustainable and inclusive solutions for cultural development.

The first part of the project will focus on research, mapping and professional reflection. Through theoretical analyses, expert discussions and interdisciplinary cooperation, it will examine contemporary understandings of culture, its relationship with social change and the role of cultural institutions in strengthening democratic values and social cohesion. This phase will also include the systematic mapping of cultural actors, organisations and forms of cultural participation in selected regions of Slovakia. Particular attention will be paid to analysing and reflecting on the nature of contemporary urban and rural culture. The research will be complemented by consultations with experts, representatives of cultural organisations and local communities.

The second part of the project will focus on translating the knowledge gained into practical solutions. New approaches to cultural policy development, cultural participation and the functioning of cultural organisations will be jointly designed and tested through participatory workshops, expert working groups, study visits and bilateral exchange activities. Particular attention will be given to inclusion, community engagement, cultural participation, sustainability and the promotion of safe social dialogue. The experience gained will inform the development of professional materials for use by both public and independent cultural institutions.

The project will involve researchers, cultural experts, artists, cultural managers, public administration representatives, members of local communities and other relevant stakeholders. The partner Arts and Culture Norway will play an important role, contributing its experience in cultural sector research, mapping the cultural landscape, evaluating cultural policies and international cooperation. The partner will participate in developing the research methodology, organising professional events, consulting on the findings and preparing recommendations.

The project will be implemented through a combination of research activities, mapping, professional workshops, conferences, study visits, bilateral exchanges, working meetings and publications. The outputs will be made progressively available through a digital platform, professional publications and public events. In this way, the project will contribute to strengthening the professional capacities of the cultural sector, improving the quality of cultural policies and developing cooperation between Slovakia and Norway.

The project will deliver a set of outputs and results that will contribute to strengthening the cultural sector in Slovakia, improving the links between research, cultural practice and public administration, and developing international cooperation in the field of cultural policy.

The main outputs will include expert analyses and research studies on the position of culture in contemporary society; mapping of cultural actors, organisations and forms of cultural participation; databases and datasets on the cultural sector; and professional conferences, seminars, workshops and study visits organised in cooperation with Norwegian partners. The project will also produce materials and recommendations for cultural policy and practice, professional and public-facing publications, and a digital platform providing access to the project results for both specialist and wider audiences.

These outputs will provide a basis for achieving several systemic results. The project will contribute to a better understanding of the role of culture in society and to the development of up-to-date knowledge about how the cultural sector operates. It will strengthen cooperation between academia, cultural organisations and public administration and create opportunities for the exchange of experience between Slovak and Norwegian experts. Through new knowledge, methodologies and recommendations, cultural organisations will be better equipped to respond to societal challenges, promote cultural participation, develop inclusive approaches and create high-quality cultural strategies.

The direct target groups will include cultural workers, curators, artists, cultural managers, staff of public and independent cultural institutions, academic experts, public administration representatives and cultural policymakers. Students and early-career researchers will also be directly involved in the project and will gain experience through research activities, professional events and international cooperation. These groups will benefit primarily from access to new knowledge, professional networks, methodological tools and opportunities for professional development.

The indirect target groups will include local communities, visitors to cultural events, educational institutions and the wider public. These groups will benefit from higher-quality and more inclusive cultural activities, better-functioning cultural organisations, more accessible cultural services and cultural policies based on up-to-date knowledge and the needs of society.

The project will therefore contribute to the development of a stronger, better-informed and more socially relevant cultural sector that is better prepared to respond to contemporary societal, environmental and technological challenges.