Since 1 May, German translator and cultural manager Stefanie Bose has been working in Trenčín as the Chronicler of the German Cultural Forum for Eastern Europe (Deutsches Kulturforum östliches Europa) as part of the Trenčín – European Capital of Culture 2026 project. During her stay, which runs until the end of September, she will observe everyday life in the city and share her reflections, encounters, and stories through a bilingual blog in Slovak and German. The first articles have already been published online.
As the chronicler, Stefanie aims to engage in conversations with local residents, discover remarkable places in Trenčín and its surroundings, and capture the unique qualities that make Trenčín what it is. With a fresh perspective and an attentive ear, she collects impressions of everyday life, culture, and moments where local experiences intersect with broader European themes. She is particularly interested in what connects people, how culture creates space for dialogue, and how daily life evolves in a city preparing to hold the title of European Capital of Culture 2026.
Stefanie has maintained close ties with Slovakia for many years. After finishing secondary school, she completed a European Voluntary Service placement in eastern Slovakia before studying West Slavic Studies and Ethnology in Leipzig. She has also worked as a translator for approximately ten years.
Her German translations include works by authors such as Alexandra Salmela, Dominika Moravčíková, Veronika Dianišková, Matej Rumanovský, Barbora Hrínová, and Miroslava Kuľková. In March, her German translation of Do You Remember Trenčín? by Trenčín-based author Lukáš Cabala was published. Together, they will take part in several literary events and author readings throughout the year.
As part of her residency in Trenčín, Stefanie will also collaborate with local cultural institutions and participate in events within the Trenčín 2026 programme.
The Chronicler Fellowship has been awarded by the German Cultural Forum for Eastern Europe since 2009. The programme aims to explore the shared cultural heritage of Germans and the regions of Central and Eastern Europe where German communities once lived or continue to live today. It recognizes individuals who have made long-term contributions to intercultural exchange, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
This year’s residency was created in cooperation with the Creative Institute Trenčín and the City of Trenčín.
For more information about Stefanie’s work as temporary chronicler, visit her blog at:
www.mestska-kronikarka-trencin.com
where readers can follow her latest articles or contact her directly.
Updates are also available on Instagram via @stadtschreiberin.trencin.2026 and through the official Trenčín 2026 communication channels.
