The discussion will focus on what remains for the city after receiving the title of European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 and what long-term impact this moment may have on its development. It will open up topics of the cultural, social, and economic legacy of the ECoC project, as well as the sustainability of new partnerships and infrastructure. The conversation will also address the city’s future ambitions – including the possibility of applying for prestigious international recognitions such as UNESCO status.
The guests will share their experiences and perspectives as individuals who were involved in the implementation of various European Capitals of Culture: Trenčín’s city curator Omar Mirza, Sara Vuletić (Novi Sad 2022), Henrik Dagfinrud (Bodø 2024), and Michal Hladký (Košice 2013). The discussion will offer insight into whether the title is merely a one-time peak or the beginning of a lasting transformation of the city. The discussion will be moderated by Michal Hvorecký.
About the speakers:
Michal Hvorecký is a writer and translator from German, born in 1976. He writes books for both adults and children. His work has been translated into many languages. He heads the Department of Culture in Bratislava’s Old Town district. His children’s book Lebopreto was named the Most Beautiful Children’s Book of 2022 by Bibiana. His most recent publication is the graphic novel Comrade Dissident. In March 2026, his first book written in German will be published. He lives in Bratislava with his family.
Michal Hladký has been Director of EIT Culture & Creativity East since 2025, one of the six European hubs of EIT Culture & Creativity. Previously, he served for more than ten years as Director of Creative Industry Košice, where he contributed to projects such as Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 and the successful bid for the UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts title in 2017. He has nearly two decades of experience with European programmes (ECoC, Creative Europe, Interreg, Horizon Europe, Urbact, Erasmus+, EIT) as a project author, manager, and strategic advisor, specializing in multi-partner collaborations, urban development, innovation ecosystems, and the lasting value of cultural initiatives.
Sara Vuletić is a cultural consultant specializing in international cultural cooperation, programmes, and policy. She supports cities, cultural institutions, and organizations in connecting local ecosystems with international frameworks and successfully obtaining titles such as European Capital of Culture or membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. She has worked in Novi Sad and Nikšić, implemented international projects and exhibitions across Europe and the Middle East, and regularly speaks at leading cultural conferences. She studied Arabic language and literature in Belgrade and cultural policy and management within the UNESCO Chair programme (Belgrade / Lyon 2).
Henrik S. Dagfinrud studied at the Norwegian Academy of Music and was involved in preparing the bid book for Bodø2024’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture title. After the title was awarded in 2019, he led the establishment and implementation of the Bodø2024 IKS organization as Programme Director, responsible for delivering the title year. He currently works at Bodø2024 Legacy, an organization under the City of Bodø and Nordland County Council, focusing on sustaining the project’s cultural legacy.
Omar Mirza is a Slovak curator, critic, and expert in public space. He studied art history at the University of Vienna and has worked as a curator and critic in various galleries and contemporary art projects both in Slovakia and abroad. Since October 2023, he has served as the City Curator of Trenčín, where he focuses on public space management, the city’s visual environment, and cultural projects, including preparations for European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. He is also Vice President of the Slovak section of AICA and actively publishes and moderates discussions on art and public space.
