
What does the title European Capital of Culture bring?
Online discussion with project managers of three Slovak cities that have advanced to the final round of the European Capital of Culture 2026 competition in Slovakia.
Participants of the online discussion:
Lucia Dubačová, project manager of the candidacy of the city of Trenčín
Christian Potiron, project manager of the candidacy of the city of Žilina
Marián Tesák, project manager of the candidacy of the city of Nitra
Bohdan Smieška, moderator, KU.BA – Kulturna Bratislava
What are the key characteristics of the strategies and proposed artistic programme of the three cities that reached the final in the competition? How were the different project strategies developed, what type of knowledge did they draw on, and who all did the cities’ project teams work with? What key impacts on city/regional development in both the narrower framework (cultural infrastructure, cultural actors) and the broader framework (sustainability, public, quality of life) are expected as a result of winning the title? How can the strategic capital accumulated so far be well assessed in case of a final failure? What are the specific benefits for the cultural public, cultural actors active in the so-called non-established (independent) culture and in the established culture brought by the projects of Nitra, Trenčín and Žilina? In spite of the competitive framework for applying for the title, is there a potential for subsequent cooperation between the now competing cities?
The title “European Capital of Culture” has been awarded since 1985. Since then, its scope and scope have increased unprecedentedly. Today, it is one of the most prestigious high-profile cultural events in Europe. Its ambition is to contribute to the sustainable development of cities and their surroundings by influencing their cultural, social and economic situation in the long term. European Capitals of Culture are considered as laboratories for strategic investment in culture at local and regional level. Since its creation, the title of ECOC has been awarded to more than 60 cities across the European Union. The aim of this initiative is to showcase the diversity of European cultures, to promote cultural cooperation and to reflect contemporary European themes and challenges. In 2026, one Slovak and one Finnish city will hold the title.