Glocal Equality and Hospitality (Invalidated Ideas?) is a major group exhibition opening on August 7, 2026, at the newly renovated County House (Župný dom) in Trenčín as part of the Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture programme. Bringing together internationally recognised artists and collectives, the exhibition reflects on urgent and interconnected glocal challenges — from social and economic inequality to migration, ecological crisis, and rising geopolitical tensions. Through a range of site-specific works and commissioned projects, it proposes art as a space for critical reflection, solidarity, and alternative ways of understanding the present.
The exhibition, Glocal Equality and Hospitality (Invalidated Ideas?), evolved from the curators’ project, ‘Universal Hospitality‘ (Vienna and Prague, 2015–16), which explored the themes of nationalism and populism in the context of the refugee crisis. Over time, many other issues have come to light. In the present day, it is difficult to identify one pressing issue, as they are all interconnected.
“The title’s use of the word ‘glocal’ reflects the exhibition’s attempt to connect global processes with their local forms and consequences. Equality is understood both in relation to individual lives and to relationships between countries, communities and power structures. Hospitality, meanwhile, is expanded beyond human relations to encompass the way we treat other living beings and the environment. In this sense, the exhibition asks whether the ideals of the Enlightenment still provide a meaningful framework for understanding the world today, or whether we have entered a different and more uncertain era,” say curators Edit András and Ilona Németh.
The exhibition attempts to explore the urgent issues of our time by showcasing artworks created by a group of exceptional artists such as Marco Scotini (IT), the Border Emergency Collective (PL), Kateryna Aliinyk (UA), Anca Benera & Arnold Estefán (RO/AT), András Cséfalvay (SK), Hito Steyerl (DE), Ferenc Gróf & Zsófia Gyenes (FR/HU), Sanja Iveković (HR), Szabolcs KissPál (HU), Zdena Kolečková (CZ), Oliver Ressler (AT), Emilia Rigová (SK), Lucia Tkáčová (SK, GR), Martin Zetová (SK), Artur Żmijewski (PL), Jaro Varga (SK). Strong artistic positions will encourage visitors to look beyond the surface and bring global issues closer to people, offering both macro and micro perspectives. A wide variety of genres, including installations, paintings, sculptures, videos and textiles, will populate the newly renovated building of the County House (Župný dom), which will open to the public with this exhibition.
Internationally renowned artists who have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale will come to Trenčín, including artists Marco Scotini and his work Disobedience Archive from the Venice Biennale 2024, as well as Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán, who are represented in a solo exhibition in the Romanian Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale. One of the newest works by Hito Steyerl will also be on display with a mesmerizing video installation.
At the heart of the exhibition lies the Disobedience Archive, which provides a panoramic view of our turbulent times through the lens of people’s protests and restores agency to the people. Renowned international artists offer their insights into different aspects of the precarious situation in which we find ourselves, such as economic and social inequalities, gender imbalances and the oppression of minorities, which are growing rapidly in the shadow of ecological disaster. The global landscape is marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, wars, and expansionism, all of which are explored in the exhibition through the ways they shape local realities.
Some artworks also consider the impact of our technology-, social media-, and AI-driven environment, exploring how these factors shape our world and our relationship with technology. The exhibition also explores the origins of the present-day troubles through time travel back to the socialist era. Meanwhile, some works offer a glimpse into the future or put forward alternative ideas for dealing with the multiple predicaments from a global and local perspective. These works activate solidarity, radical care and make us more sensitive towards minorities and invisible groups.
Through the power of art, the audience will be able to approach and understand the recent situation in ways that are different from those of politics and the media. The artworks in the exhibition seek to help us to find our way in the world and provide us with coping strategies.
As part of the collateral events, there will be an exceptional and rare opportunity to meet renowned artists in person. The Cooking Sections and Hito Steyerl will deliver lecture performances in Hviezda, and Sanja Iveković, the leading figure in feminist art in the East-Central European region, will share her artistic views with the audience in the Round Army House (Okruhový dom armády), a unique architectural landmark.
Global Equality and Hospitality is part of the programme European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. Trenčín 2026 is financially supported by the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region, and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The European Union is a partner of Trenčín 2026
Exhibition information
Venue: Župný dom, Mierové námestie 46, Trenčín
Dates: 7 August – 7 December 2026
Artists: Marco Scotini (IT), Cooking Sections (UK), Border Emergency Collective (PL), Kateryna Aliinyk (UA), Anca Benera & Arnold Estefán (RO/AT), András Cséfalvay (SK), Hito Steyerl (DE), Ferenc Gróf & Zsófia Gyenes (FR/HU), Sanja Iveković (HR), Szabolcs KissPál (HU), Zdena Kolečková (CZ), Oliver Ressler (AT), Emilia Rigová (SK), Lucia Tkáčová (SK), Martin Zetová (CZ), Artur Żmijewski (PL), Jaro Varga (SK).
Curators: Edit András and Ilona Németh
Architectural design: Zbyněk Baladrán
Project manager: Katarína Jankechová
ABOUT TRENČÍN
Trenčín is a historic city in western Slovakia, known for its iconic castle, cultural traditions, and vibrant arts scene. It hosts significant music festivals, artistic events, and community initiatives every year, making it attractive not only to residents but also to visitors from Slovakia and abroad. By earning the title European Capital of Culture 2026, Trenčín builds on its rich heritage and opens up new possibilities for creative and sustainable development.
The Trenčín region is one of the most significant areas of Slovakia, characterized by its diverse natural landscapes and a strong industrial and cultural tradition. Located in the northwest of the country, it includes historic cities such as Trenčín, Prievidza, Považská Bystrica, and Myjava, all connected by their unique character and dynamic growth. The region offers a wealth of cultural landmarks, including majestic castles, traditional folk festivals, and a flourishing artistic scene. It is also renowned for its spa towns, such as Trenčianske Teplice, and stunning natural beauty, including the Strážov Mountains and White Carpathians. The title European Capital of Culture 2026 will bring new opportunities to the entire region, strengthen cultural collaboration, and support tourism as well as local communities.
Trenčín has been designated the European Capital of Culture 2026, with the ambition to transform the city into a vibrant hub for art, creativity, and community collaboration. More than a single year of cultural celebration, the programme represents a long-term vision for renewal, one that will leave a lasting mark on the city and its wider region. Through Trenčín 2026, old places are being revitalised, cultural experiences expanded, opportunities created, and connections with Europe strengthened.
“Awakening Curiosity”, the guiding theme of Trenčín 2026, embodies an open and forward-looking approach that invites new perspectives on people, the city, and the world around us. It encourages questioning, discovery, and the search for meaningful connections between past and future, city and nature, culture and everyday life. Rooted in curiosity, the programme fosters experimentation, creativity, and the courage to transform Trenčín into a place that inspires engagement and active participation.
Media Contacts
Tereza Fojtová, PR Manager
tereza.fojtova@trencin2026.eu, tel. + 421 918 412 621
