Culture as a driving force for urban change and public space transformation with the aim of local communities engagement.
Join us for a discussion with leading European experts who will demonstrate the topic of „placemaking“, through concrete projects, how art and creativity can heal communities, revive industrial heritage, and forge a new urban identity.
Speakers and Featured Projects:
· Valentino Tignanelli (Oulu 2026 / Factum Foundation, IT/FI): Presenting the fascinating transformation of the Aaltosiilo—a former silo designed by Alvar Aalto—into a center for digital heritage preservation, and the results of the Meri-Toppila workshop, which is turning the city’s periphery into a creative hub.
· Stefan Schmidtke (Chemnitz 2025, DE): The Artistic Director of the previous ECoC will share insights from the Purple Path – an art trail connecting the region.
· Anna Priedola (Liepaja 2027, LV): An expert in participatory art, she will introduce the Future Divercities project, exploring inclusion and new forms of urban culture within the context of European diversity.
· Ivan Matejić (České Budějovice 2028, CZ): Detailing the strategic visions that won České Budějovice the ECoC title, focusing on city transformation through cultural infrastructure and active citizen involvement.
· Marta Popiolek (Placemaking Europe, PL): Introducing the international network and the Cities in Placemaking program, which connects cities across the continent in their quest for high-quality public spaces.
Host: Omar Mirza – a city curator of Trenčín
Why Attend?
This discussion is designed for urbanists, cultural practitioners, and every citizen of Trenčín who cares about the future of their environment. Gain a unique “behind-the-scenes” look at some of Europe’s most successful cultural projects and find inspiration for how we can collectively shape Trenčín into a modern, open, and vibrant place to live.
