Professional growth is not only about acquiring new skills, but also about finding space to reflect, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar challenges. This is where Runway | Culture Professionals comes in.
The course brings together practical learning and peer exchange, creating a supportive environment for cultural managers who want to strengthen their practice, gain new perspectives, and move forward with confidence. Registration for the next edition is now open.
Meet the Runway
During five intensive two-day blocks (Thursday–Friday), participants develop key competencies essential for today’s cultural sector. Guided by experienced experts from across Europe, the course covers topics ranging from strategic planning and communication to service design, teamwork, and soft skills.
Runway | Culture Professionals is one of the flagship educational opportunities connected to Trenčín 2026, designed to empower those who want to actively contribute to the future of culture.
Find your way through
Those who work in the cultural sector stand at the center of current social change, economic pressure, new technologies, and shifting audiences. They navigate creativity alongside responsibility, vision alongside practical constraints.
The challenges are many, and often complex: how to remain relevant, how to engage diverse communities, how to sustain projects and teams in an ever-changing environment. Sounds familiar? If so, Runway is just the right place for you!
Both practical & personal
This free educational programme is created for emerging cultural managers, professionals from the cultural and creative industries, and representatives of both public and independent cultural organizations.
“In the Runway | Culture Professionals course, I found an exceptional combination of theory and practice,” says Barbora, one of the participants from last semester who works at a university library. “The content is structured in such a way as to make it as easy as possible to transfer knowledge into practice. The course had a relaxed atmosphere, and the lecturers treated us in a very friendly and equal manner. It was often really fun!“
Alongside practical training in areas such as audience development, and strategic thinking, the course offers a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded people. After seven semesters of Runway | Culture Professionals, we know that this is something that really stays with our participants.
Years of expertise
The course is led by several experienced lecturers from across Europe. From strategic planning with Vishalakshi Roy, you will move on to an audience development workshop with Agata Etmanowicz and related service design with Adam Melničák and Katarína Pribylová. Irena Swiecicki will share how teamwork, motivation, values and the ability to give feedback shape your organization. And last but not least, there’s Timea Szöke with her experience in managing international projects and placemaking that will offer you a slightly different perspective on communication and networking.
Click, apply, join
The course will run from March to May 2026. For more details, course topics, exact dates, and registration, visit the Runway website.
“I’ve learnt that my vision can be really something, and I don’t have to be afraid to think big, as I always have. The important thing is to believe in yourself!” Follow the words of our participants and fill out a short registration form on the website. The European Capital of Culture awaits!
