Break ing Point Nitra

Nitra 2026, European Capital of Culture Candidate City 26 Pre-Selection Bid Book 2 Introduction 10 Contribution to the long-term strategy 18 Cultural and artistic content 32 European dimension 37 Outreach 44 Management 56 Capacity to deliver

City of Nitra

78,353 inhabitants 870 AD first mention 2 universities 13,000 university students 259 national cultural heritage sites 1 castle 20 churches 1 synagogue 3 theatres 5 libraries 5 museums 2 galleries 4,05% unemployment rate 700 ha industrial parks 143 ha exhibition grounds 140 m2 of urban green space per inhabitant

Nitra Region

674,306 inhabitants 7 districts 354 municipalities 1455 national cultural heritage sites 73% agricultural land 180,370 yearly theatre attendees 3,793,662 chicken population Nitra of 2026 and beyond will not be made The Therapy Of Public Spaces up of members, but of re:members – inhabitants responsible for their city’s direction forward, The city as a paradox – full in numbers, empty conscious of its ongoing present and past. on sight. Our once lively and vibrant public spaces got hit by the shopping mall mania that swept Introduction A Healthy Dialogue Europe a few decades ago as strongly as it could, helping the process of unnatural centralisation In 2006 and 2013, when innocent people in Nitra of all services in the city centre to its completion. were attacked by right-wing extremists, our city Yet, Nitra of the latter half of the 20th century – made headlines in the national news. Seeing our- most notably its housing estates Predmostie and selves on national TV, some felt despair, some an- Párovce – was built as a prime example of modern ger... others probably even cheered. But most sim- urbanism. Carefully located public facilities, ply switched to a different channel. This speaks of playgrounds, community and cultural hubs, even a bigger problem spreading throughout Europe. visual art in the form of mosaics and sculptures. Our societies are atomised. Residents, migrants, All still there but overlooked and neglected. cultural actors and others each locked up in their It’s a trauma we share with many of our brothers own echo chambers listening to like-minded voic- and sisters from behind the former Iron Curtain. es or screaming in complete isolation. We need to look for ways to return to that original We believe that Nitra could find an answer. urban vision for those areas. Because whilst the After all, our most revered art form is theatre. times have changed, the needs of the people And that means dialogue. We mean to do this by living there have not. We believe that Nitra and breaking the silence. Connecting the different lay- its surrounding region as European Capital ers of our society to come up with healthy and sys- of Culture could break the space. Breathing tematic solutions to present and upcoming issues. life back to all its corners. Showcasing hidden wonders. Revisiting the ideas and energy that A City Worth Caring For we have lost. Taking care of the people who live here, but also sharing our ideas with others across Imagine a room full of us Nitrančans. Now, ask us Europe who want to take care of their cities again. how many of our grandparents were born here. Nitra used to be liveable and fun all over. It needs The result? A few proudly raised hands amidst a to be again. crowd of frowny faces. It’s because in the turbulent 20th century and The Cultivation Gene To achieve this, we’ve identified5 key goals we the ever-surprising beginning of the 21st, Nitra want to accomplish through our quest to become has been acting as Slovakia’s transit station. Former farmers working their former land at a European Capital of Culture. Creating the kind The local talent flees the city (mostly to capital large agricultural co-operations – the bitter of breakthrough which will transform a city strug- Bratislava, just an hour’s drive away) right when payoff of the socialist collectivisation and gling with its history and identity into a self-reflec- able to pay for their bus ticket (unfortunately, imperfect transition to a market economy. Q1 tive city full of active and engaged citizens. A city the train doesn’t take you very far). A staggering It severed our already strenuous relationship with a clear vision. A city worth staying in, that can 90% of incoming youth leave as soon as they with the environment where we’ve been living Why Nitra wishes to be European Capital of Culture be an example to others fighting similar struggles. obtain their university degrees; or stay but don’t in symbiosis for millennia. Fast-forward to today, identify with the city. This is by no means a unique when we don’t have qualms with letting top Nitra is at a Breaking Point. Break free or break Re:members problem. Hundreds of small, historical, “cute” quality soil be covered with factories, logistic down? More than ever, in these bizarre times of cities and towns across Europe are perpetually centres and assembly plants. uncertainty, disconnection and confusion, that Nitra, the mother of Slovak cities. The centre of the brain-drained and identity-robbed by their bigger, This is why we not only need the ECoC, but is the question that concerns us the most. We country’s identity, based around the traditions of “cooler” neighbours. We believe that to become we need it now – when our “cultivation gene” believe that becoming a European Capital of the Great Moravian Empire, princes and knights, the ECoC 2026 can help us create attractive inter- still embedded in the older generations and a few Culture will help us find the answer. And maybe kings and bishops. Of the mission of the brothers national opportunities and co-operation platforms struggling pillars of agricultural heritage, can be some answers for other European cities looking Cyril and Methodius. Each year we tirelessly for students, immigrants and expats, that will reactivated and passed onto future generations. to avoid breakdowns of their own. Even pre-Covid, commemorate these unquestionable idols of result in a city that people want to stay in, come When we seed, we mean to grow. When we many cities worried about breaking down. centuries ago the same way… only to make them back to and most importantly – to care for. grow, we mean to sustain. Breaking free MUST be our answer. But how? seem tired of themselves even. Yes, we have been revolving in the cycle of the past for far too long. First of all, what is Nitra? Well, from afar, quite And in the process, we forget to celebrate those a lot of things. The cradle of Christianity in whose existence can actually make a difference. Central Europe. A former Jewish metropolis. An On the break of the 19th and 20th centuries, agricultural mecca. The home of 13,000 students a third of Nitra’s population was Jewish. The rest and two universities. The theatre capital. Looks was a mix of Slovaks, Hungarians and Germans. Break free or break down? We choose to break To pick the locks that tie us to our past. To great in a tourist guide and impeccable in But after decades of a forced vision of national purity free of course. The choice is not difficult but the challenge the people who switch channels rather an ECoC bid, doesn’t it? But let’s have a look this multicultural hive became almost a tall tale. road ahead is. Neither for Nitra, nor for the many than hearing uncomfortable truths. To celebrate behind the curtain. Let’s look into Nitra as it is. In order to move forward, we ought to break this other European cities who care greatly for their and support the unsung heroes who want to To find answers for what we want it to be and cycle. The ECoC will serve as a platform to start future but are not sure how to make it a bright one. make our cities better places to live in. To create how European Capital of Culture can help us do continuously reflecting on the past and the present That’s why we need help. Our journey of becoming a dialogue that’s healthy, not horrible. To grow it. Let’s break Nitra apart – in order to put it and acknowledging successes and traumas that a European Capital of Culture will provide us with a sustainable and successful city in the rich, deep 2 back together. formed, and are constantly forming us. 3 that help. soil that surrounds us. landscape types, namely the flat Pannonian The position of the church was strengthened many theatrical coach parties both from the Nitra Basin and the Carpathian mountain range. This after the founding of the Nitra diocese, which Region and Slovakia as a whole. It has the third significantly affects the conditions of land use. made Nitra an important point of the Roman largest theatre hall in Slovakia (577 seats) and An important connecting element is the network Catholic Church in the Central European region a smaller studio (150 seats). of rivers: Váh, Nitra, Zittau and Hron. (including Catholic education). The division of The second public theatre in the city is Q2+Q3 Fertile soil, moisture and four big rivers have the two worlds into upper (spiritual) and lower the Karol Spišák Old Theatre which focuses provided ideal conditions for agriculture. Today, (secular) cities is still valid today. That’s why, when on children and puppet theatre performances. Our plan to involve the surrounding area the region has the largest area of agricultural land visiting our “upper town,” you may be surprised by The independent scene is represented by the The cultural profile of Nitra City and Region of all regions of the Slovak Republic (almost 73% the closed doors of cultural monuments and the New Theatre, which works with both children of its territory). It is one of the most important pro- absence of cafes or casual city life. Up-town it may and adults, and the Teatro Tatro ensemble, Our Region ducers of agricultural crops such as wheat, barley, be, but funky it is not! a travelling theatre company which performs maize, peas, sugar beet, oilseed rape, grapes and in its own big top tent. Unfortunately, theatres in First, let’s clear up a common confusion – Nitra sunflower. With regards to urbanisation, the region Lower Town – a Mix of Everything Nitra have relatively limited contact with foreign is both the City and Region. So for us it makes has a markedly rural character (out of 354 munici- countries, which is reflected in the absence of sense to answer these questions together. In fact palities only 15 have the status of a city). The lower town, the secular part of Nitra, has international productions and collaborations. the Region – as is the case across Slovakia – also played host to many different religions The only exception is the strong Polish connection “owns” many of the major cultural institutions Our People throughout its history. For example, in 1900, the of Teatro Tatro. The only public theatre in the in the city as well as those of other cities in the Jewish people represented 28% of the population, region outside the City of Nitra is Jókai Theatre Nitra Region. So it is very much a “Yes” to the Numerous migrations and the location close to whilst now the percentage is merely 0.01%. in Komárno, one of only two theatres in Slovakia involvement of the Region. And it also raises some the Hungarian borders have given our region Nevertheless, the Synagogue in the city centre performing solely in Hungarian. really useful cultural possibilities for us. a multi-ethnic and religious diversity. There is still remains and is used for cultural events. One major source of foreign inspiration a significant Hungarian national minority (24%), But many other heritage buildings have been is represented by the International Theatre First, the Region. Called the Nitra Self-Governing with several Hungarian “language islands.” destroyed by bombing in 1945 and the socialist Festival Divadelná Nitra, which is one of the most Region, it is a relatively new construction (estab- Another distinct ethnic group is the Roma. The regime since then. important independent cultural events in Slovakia. lished in 2001). At 19 years old, it is still showing situation is constantly changing, and we can The centre of Nitra is now dominated by It has brought one of the first presentations teenage growing pains. It was built around a mix expect that these numbers will continue to be Svätopluk square – actually a huge circle – and of then emerging creators such as H. Fritsch, of local cultural identities and issues but the affected by increased international migration. next to it the massive Andrej Bagar Theatre from A. Hermanis, I. Vyrypaev, K. Mundruczó, A. Platel, reality is that it still feels a bit like a set of isolated The Nitra Region has experienced the greatest the 80s/90s. K. Warlikowski, L. Gruwez or M. Rau. It focuses on places joined together for administrative reasons influx of foreign migrants out of all of Slovak exploring controversial topics relevant to Slovakia rather than a genuine network of cultural synergy regions (59% between 2018/2019). Most of them Nitra Lives Theatre and Europe. The Fokus Pokus festival was and cooperation. are concentrated in the City of Nitra for work and established in 2019, and there is a living tradition And that situation gives us some inspiration. study. Truly, it does. The sheer size of the Andrej Bagar of amateur ensembles in the region and in Our plans to involve the wider region are driven by The region also represents the clash of Theatre rather gives this away! Including its individual municipalities (especially in the vicinity a concept of polycentric territorial development. eastern and western religious customs. Currently, repertoire ensemble, this is the destination of of the City of Zlaté Moravce). This means not just including the district cities, the western influence dominates, waith Roman but also important centres of trade, industry, Catholic faith accounting for more than 70% of education and culture which characterise this the population. In the south of the region, mixed region as perhaps it should be. Currently, aside villages with numerous groups of protestants and from the City of Nitra, all 15 of the remaining cities Calvinists exist (these denominations make up in the region have expressed an interest to enter 7% of total population). the partnership network along with 8 of our close and more distant rural neighbours. Encouraged Our City by their interest, we successfully approached five Local Action Groups operating under the LEADER An archaeologist, an actor, a farmer and a student programme who brought to the table additional walk into a bar... no, this is not the beginning of 87 rural municipalities. The total population of a joke; this is Nitra’s reality. the catchment area is 674, 306. The regional self-government located in Nitra is included in the Big History – Upper Town Funk project as well. Our vision is to revive and re-establish the Nitra has been a historically important place natural, historical and cultural ties that have from very early times, both from the perspective been severed by frequent changes in administra- of Slovakia and of Europe. A place which had tive borders over the past couple of decades. This a very strong influence on the cultural identity of has led to the current fragmented structure. We the Slavs in 6th-11th centuries. It was the biggest believe this approach will not only encourage more medieval fortified settlement, later rebuilt into the co-operative relationships as opposed to the Nitra Castle. And the first consecrated Catholic current competitive atmosphere, but also create church of Central and Eastern Europe is… you a critical mass for more balanced spatial develop- guessed it, in Nitra as well. When Saint Cyril ment and joint projects. Especially for culture. and Saint Methodius (arrived in yr. 863) were active in Nitra, they invented the first Slavic script, Our Landscape the Glagolitic. This laid the groundworks for Slavic literature, and Old Slavonic was recognised as The area of our Region – shown in the map – is the 4th liturgical language of the Roman Catholic 4 located on the contact line of two different Church. 5 Museums, Galleries, Libraries to mention their safety. The presentation Slovakia in Europe Nitra Region in Slovakia Nitra City within of independent film is covered by the civic the Region Nitra Gallery is known for its strong and association Kinoklub Nitra, and the commercial progressive voice. In recent years it has been segment is represented by two multiplexes. trying to develop international partnerships but is significantly limited by the quality of equipment In the summer, independent scene can find its and the layout of its premises. Another gallery home at Nitra’s hidden gem – Hidepark. It took full of potential, yet struggling with similar volunteers 10 years to transform a former junkyard problems is The Ernest Zmeták Art Gallery into this unique outdoor cultural and community in Nové Zámky. centre, which, alongside its many cultural activities, also represents a place for networking Along with churches and agricultural museum for communities and civic initiatives. spaces (described below) there is also the Nitra Regional Museum focusing on regional cultural Other important cultural centres in the region 4 11 6 5 and natural heritage and consisting of two are the Centre for Arts and Creativity – Potôň exhibition spaces in Nitra and two other venues Theatre in Bátovce, which focuses on the (in Zlaté Moravce and Šala, both about 30km from creation and presentation of contemporary Nitra). County museums are located in Levice, non-commercial art and education in the field Topoľčany, Komárno and Nové Zámky. One of the of contemporary art, and Platform 1-12 in region’s treasures is a series of excavated houses Topoľčany, which focuses on contemporary in Brhlovce village, which were used as shelters culture with a multidisciplinary focus on music, 9 during Ottoman conquests in the 16th century. art, presentations and educational activities. During the year, various festivities and events The library system in the city is formed by the popular with locals are organised in the streets Regional Library of Karol Kmeťko, established of Nitra and in the villages of the region, such in 1923, which consists of two separate venues as Nitra Market, Booker Street, Drážovce in the city. The Theatre Library at the Andrej Picnic and music and other art festivals: Flaam 4 Bagar Theatre is an interesting particularity, Festival, PostmutArt, Musica Sacra, Ars Organi, 3 7 being the only public specialised theatre library Drumpoint, Campana fest. in Slovakia outside Bratislava. The library 3 network is complemented by the libraries of Agri-industrial Venues 2 1 both universities founded in the second half 1 5 2 of the 20th century. The new library building of In the eyes of other Slovaks, the people of Nitra 12 3 5 the Constantine the Philosopher University won are still perceived as farmers capable of growing 6 2 the prestigious Slovak Building of the Year Award practically anything. You cannot blame them, 1 4 in 2011. though. All around Nitra are technical monuments 3 1 reminding us of our agricultural roots, including 5 7 1 1 Independent and Different the largest sugar factory in Central Europe in Šurany or a number of water mills and old 2 Smaller community events and activities mostly wine huts. A peculiar museum showcasing the 1 5 7 5 8 1 take place in 9 cultural facilities under the history of water milling can be found in Kolárovo. 7 2 city’s management. This includes the former The only Agricultural Museum in Slovakia and 2 2 Synagogue (described above) and 8 community the only Agricultural open-air Museum in Central 1 2 centres or “culture houses” evenly located in Europe was established in Nitra. And it includes 4 individual parts of the city. These have basic a railway with a steam-powered train! One more 3 4 12 technical equipment and a capacity of 20 to thing visibly connecting Nitra with agriculture is 150 seats. Agrokomplex, an exhibition complex opened in The most significant and long-term problem 1974 to promote agricultural work and products. 4 3 6 of culture in the city is the absence of a cultural It consists of 15 pavilions, a congress hall and 6 centre, which could serve as a multi-genre artistic 5 congress rooms. After ’89 the venue now works 14 15 3 13 space. This deficit is most felt in the club music as a commercial exhibition complex. scene, since smaller events have to be organised Historical Sites Libraries Museums and Galleries Universities & Art Schools Cultural & Other Venues in private spaces, pubs and cafes. These are Now We Grow People 1 Nitra Castle 1 Regional Library 1 Nitra Regional Museum 1 Constantine the 1 Nitra Synagogue quite literally an emergency solution, and would 2 St. Emmeram’s of Karol Kmeťko 2 Nitra Gallery Philosopher University 2 Agrokomplex EXPO Cathedral 2 Slovak Agricultural 3 Slovak Agricultural in Nitra 3 Hidepark never have been utilised this way, had there been Nitra is now an important place for cultivating 3 Old City Hall Library Museum 2 Slovak University 4 Nitra Amphitheatre a somewhat suitable alternative instead. cultural people. This grows out of a network of 4 Romanesque Church 3 Constantine the 4 Steam-powered Railway of Agriculture 5 Regional Edu. Centre quality art schools and conservatories in Nitra in Dražovce Philosopher University 5 Diocesan Museum 3 Private Art School 6 City Sport Hall 5 St. Stephen’s Church Library 6 Mission Museum of Helena Madariová 7 Old Waterhouse For more mainstream outdoor events during the and Topoľčany, and four design schools in Nitra, 6 Zobor Monastery 4 Theatre Library at the 7 Trafačka Photogallery 4 Private Conservatory 8 City Market summer there’s the Nitra Amphitheatre with Topoľčany, Levice and Kolárovo. 1,401 students 7 Jewish Cemetery Andrej Bagar Theatre in Nitra 9 Culture Centre Zobor a capacity of 15,000 people, which, besides study at secondary art schools, and many of them 5 Diocesan Library Cinemas 5 Art School of Jozef 10 Culture House Mlynárce Nature & Parks 1 Mlyny Cinemas Rosinský in Nitra 11 Culture House Dražovce concerts, can also be used for film screenings. are actively involved in the cultural life of the 1 Nitra City Park Theatres 2 Cinemax Nitra 6 Private Art School 12 Culture House Janíkovce However, the amphitheatre is quite neglected and city. Unfortunately, most of them leave Nitra for 2 Botanical Garden 1 Andrej Bagar Theatre Ars Studio 13 Culture House Krškany struggles to meet modern technical requirements universities in Bratislava or abroad and they rarely 3 Birch Grove Park 2 Karol Spišák Old Theatre 7 Private Art School 14 Culture House Párovské Háje 4 Borina 3 New Theatre 15 Culture House Čermáň 6 or comfort for performers and visitors, not have the option or reason to return to the region. 5 Zobor Ironically, given this drain of talented managerial, organisational and programming leavers, Nitra itself is an important Univer-city! roles. Nitra 2026 will involve local governments In 1966, the Slovak University of Agriculture (110 already confirmed), some directly, some was established here, with the architecturally through institutionalised partnerships they most significant and characteristic element being are members of (e.g. LAGs, Nitra Tourist Board), the Aula Maxima. The city’s university character but also the creative and cultural actors who Q4 is complemented by the Constantine the work in them (Platform 1-12, Pôtoň Theatre, Philosopher University in Nitra, focused on liberal Kolárovo Mill Museum, Antenna Network of The concept of our programme Break the Cycle arts. Every year, 13,000 students study at these cultural centres, and network of local and regional two universities, making students 15% of the city’s art schools). The concept of our programme is Breaking Point. We are used to basing our identity on who we were population and around 25% of them study some Involving local and regional stakeholders When talking about Nitra, we realised that not a millennium ago. And sure, it’s a part of us, but kind of cultural course. from public, private and non-profit sectors in only is it at a breaking point, it can also be best we feel a dire need to break this cycle. We need the ECoC project is also a way to jumpstart the described as one – both in time and space. to find out who we are now and who we may be in Our Partners reduction of regional disparities in cultural and the future through thorough examination of our creative industries, now significantly centralised Geographically, Nitra lies between lowlands and heritage. Through addressing our successes and All partners will play key and active roles in the in Nitra City. Our goal is to involve them in the highlands, between fertile fields and impenetrable traumas of the recent past and through constant project. We plan to include their representatives co-creation and co-organisation of projects. nature. Ethnically, between the south where the reflection of the present. in organisational structures established for Nitra 2026 will also encourage the development of Hungarian ethnic minority strives and the north the ECoC project implementation delegating the tourism infrastructure in the region. where it is absent. Socially, between progressive and prosperous west and traditionalist and resilient east.

The times we live in are also a breaking point. The ongoing pandemic makes us question the Nitra from the Nitra Castle ideas of social interdependence and culture’s ability to connect us as human beings. The cli- Break the Silence mate crisis urges us to reevaluate our relationship to the environment we are a part of. The post-fac- Nitra 2026 and beyond will be a city that tual era calls for cultivated dialogue as a way of continuously breaks the silence by nurturing searching clarity and equality; the brain-drain healthy dialogue on many issues. By creating an and migrant influx for broadening the concept of inclusive space where solutions are attempted our identity. by exchange of ideas. By speaking up and listening. By breaking up barriers of isolation and We believe Nitra can be the space where solutions connecting through conversation. are attempted. But how exactly? By Nitra being the Breaking Point where culture and art are used as ways to underpin a process of change – with the three main BREAKS as our programme lines:

Break the Ground

We Nitrančans know about sustainability, we are natural growers, harvesters, cultivators. The soil runs through our veins. Breaking the ground is a means of awakening our cultivation gene and reclaiming our status of active participators, creators and caretakers who live in consonance with their surrounding urban and natural environment.

Breaking Point is a space where habits, mechanisms and relationships are confronted, examined, thought-through and put back together better and healthier. Not for good, but always, continuously and systematically. We are aware of how difficult and painful a quest this may be. But as they say: In order to make an 8 9 omelette you have to break a few eggs. Contribution to the long-term strategy

participatory. Throughout 2020, and with the help and international level. We will do this by improv- 4. Space for Culture, Culture for Space! of ONplan, a Prague-based organisation with ing management and strengthening the city’s long-term experience in the preparation of cultural capacity for culture and CCI development in line City-owned public spaces will be revitalised and and cultural policy strategies for cities, a strategic with current trends and best practice from across equipped with a modern technical infrastructure. document was prepared. It was approved by Europe. Nitra will also improve the conditions of Our aim is to bring life back not only to the city Q5+Q7 the city council on 10 December 2020. these actors to create a quality cultural offer and centre, but to make better use of the potential of successful entrepreneurial initiatives. This will the city’s greenery, the river and its waterfront. Nitra’s cultural strategy and how the European Capital NK31 is a document describing solutions to involve education and training, improving current Opportunities for community leisure activities in of Culture is included in this strategy the city’s development challenges, and will sources of funding and finding new ones to urban areas will be improved. There will be clear serve as a golden thread for key cultural, CCI respond to the needs of CCI actors in the city and rules and simplified processes set for the various In the past, more often than not, culture has found and tourism actors in the city over the next 10 strengthen the sustainability of their activities. forms of use of public space. This will allow its use itself at the tail end of the city management’s years. It formulates a clear definition of the Nitra will also establish a new approach to the use for a wide range of activities while respecting the list of priorities. As proof we could list the vision of Nitra’s future, in five major areas: of empty and semi-empty spaces owned by the needs of the local community. modest budget approved for independent city for CCI actors and for community activities. culture through the grant scheme (ranging 1. Everyone for Culture, Culture for Everyone! 5. Nitra for Europe, Europe for Nitra! from 1.5-2% of the total budget for culture and 3. Future for Cultural Heritage, related activities). But times are changing, The city will continue to remove physical and Cultural Heritage for Future! One of the most significant ambitions for thank goodness. After the new city management social barriers in all areas of culture. This will our cultural and creative development is the took office in 2018, the city has been switching result in residents and visitors having access Nitra will encourage the restoration and firm embedding of Nitra on Europe’s cultural gears. Now Nitra is looking to boost the role to a much wider variety of opportunities to reconstruction of cultural monuments and map. Significantly increased funding for the that culture plays in its present and future. enjoy the cultural offer of the city. The city will historical sights owned by the city. We will implementation of international projects and actively involve minority groups and temporary create an incentive subsidy scheme for projects implemented with the support of the This has driven us to prepare a new residents with different language and cultural monument owners in order to preserve the European Union will ensure a much better Strategy for the Development of backgrounds, as well as senior citizens, city’s cultural heritage for future generations. quality cultural offer, making Nitra more Culture and Creative Industries in Nitra people and families with social disadvantages These reconstructed and revitalised buildings attractive to locals and visitors as a vibrant for 2021 – 2031. We call it NK31. into the cultural and social life of the city. will be presented in ways that will make them cultural destination. much more attractive for local citizens as well Cultural contributors and actors from the 2. The City for CCI, CCI for the City! as visitors from all over the world. Making Nitra will also be presented through international cultural and creative industries from both heritage visible will not only include the well- festivals and an intensified international established and independent culture, as well as The City of Nitra will actively participate in build- known sites and buildings, but also the many cooperation for a wide range of our institutions city representatives, were invited to get involved. ing and developing a network of actors in the cul- forgotten but very special places that form and organisations operating in the fields of 10 The creation process was really engaging and tural and creative industries at the local, national 11 the cultural and natural heritage of our city. culture, education and science. The goals that we have set to achieve with the European Capital of Culture tie in with the goals of The plan is ambitious, but is it sustainable? But now, the unprecedented active involvement the NK31 strategy through specific objectives formulated by the cultural strategy. These connections of actors spanning the region, the commitment are described in the following table. In Slovak language there is an “I” in tím (team). of public administration and different sectors Why is this relevant? Because this attitude during the bidding phase heralds an important and consequently the lack of cooperation breakthrough. This gives us real hope that both vertically and horizontally is one of the the ambitious project of Nitra 2026 ECoC will major obstacles to achieving sustainability of contribute to achieving the sustainability of development initiatives. Not only in the cultural cultural activities that have been hindered sector but across most other sectors, too. by governance issues in the past. The multi- ECOC KEY GOALS stakeholder, inclusive delivery mechanism we PRIORITY NK31 Goals Re:members A Healthy A City Worth The Therapy Of The Cultivation propose is planned to be sustainable far past the AREAS Dialogue Caring For Public Spaces Gene year of the title and potentially transform into a Everyone  Enhance the quality  Strengthen the positive perception of the role regional umbrella organisation. Covering topics for Culture, of artistic production, of culture in society from culture to creative industries and tourism. Culture attractive to all for Everyone! groups of residents  Ongoing support for integrated community The quality of management will be aided by and visitors, through development ensuring there is an open tender for the position better funding opportunities and of Head of Nitra’s Culture Department every internationalisation five years. Additionally, the city plans to create  Boost the capacities  Develop education from kindergar- a position of cultural attaché, who would serve as of independent and tens, primary schools, high schools, a “liaison officer” and establish ad hoc working established cultural universities to lifelong learning and groups for events organised by the city. The operators to carry out support creative potential audience development strategy also proposes to develop and implement strategies and  Encourage cooperation between a system of continuous education for personnel capacity building cultural and educational programmes institutions and actors of the Department of Culture (training and workshops orientated towards current trends on The City for  Strengthen economic,  Support edu-  Define the usage of empty and CCI, CCI for social and cultural cation of actors semi-empty spaces owned by the international cultural market). the City! sustainability of in the cultural the city for CCI and community operators in cultural and creative activities will be achieved on the and creative industries industries to Economic sustainability develop their  Strengthen the sustainability of the one hand by increasing the city’s cultural budget know-how activities of CCI from current 4-5% of all expenditures to 7% in Future for Cultural  Create comprehensive  Change attitudes towards public spaces and historic  Strengthen 2027. And on the other hand by overhauling the Heritage, Cultural system of support buildings by strengthening personal engagement the capacities current subsidy schemes to cover multiannual, Heritage for for actors in culture of traditional Future! and CCI, especially  Networking of CCI actors at the local, national and crafts and their thematic initiatives and increased support for in the field of international level connection independent culture. For example by providing cultural heritage and with current traditional crafts trends the city’s infrastructure for the non-profit sector free of charge, creating additional grant schemes  Ensure preservation  Attractive ac-  Restore art in public spaces that and access to cultural cess to cultural bear the memory of the city to promote international cooperation and heritage, that will heritage for the partnerships as well as for the development of art meet cultural needs of public in the in public space. This, however, contributes mostly residents and visitors physical and of the city online space to the supply side of the equation. We believe that Space  Redefine the role of  Change the attitude of the audience/inhabitants and  Revitalise public spaces with our strong audience development strategy will for Culture, the inhabitants as increase the share of activities that are organised by new works of art in a participative contribute greatly to the demand side. Culture co-creators of cultural community actors manner for Space! public space  Change attitudes towards the Environmental and social sustainability is creation of public space and the hardwired into our Nitra 2026 concept. Social involvement of residents, strength- sustainability will be achieved by our commitment ening personal involvement to inclusiveness and equality – a thread running  Complete and  Remove barriers and increase ac- revitalise the cultural cess of facilities owned by the city through our very concept and artistic vision, the infrastructure programme all the way to the outreach strategy adequately for the  Develop cultural infrastructure and delivery mechanism. Breaking out of a narrow 21st century in close interconnection with the development of the city definition of what we consider to be space for Nitra for  Highlight Nitra on  Successful and sustainable implementation of the European Capital of Culture project in culture, transporting it into open fields, groves and Europe, Europe the map of Europe as 2026 is one of the activities proposed to achieve these goals. It links closely with other partial onto rivers and bringing some of it into our urban for Nitra! a city in a beautiful objectives, linked to other strategies, namely: building quality marketing of the city with the neighbourhoods will help us move closer to that landscape bearing involvement of residents, diversifying the offer for new segments of visitors, linking tourism significant traces of products to regional, national, international tourism projects and cultural tourism routes, long lost symbiosis with nature. common European creating attractive products for tourism visitors using smart solutions, and strengthening history and the cooperation and public-private partnerships in tourism in the city and region. The Breaking Point concept and vision and the present new NK31 cultural strategy will break many  Attract European visitors with an moulds that have been limiting cultural, social, attractive offer economic and environmental development in our utilising modern city. Our focus is to orchestrate the approaches functioning smart infrastructure and between the city’s strategies and activities of cooperation with the ECoC into the best possible legacy to be 12 tourism actors 13 felt long-term. CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

The greatest capacity building asset will be the newly established Creative Centre Nitra. Providing modern infrastructure in the city centre and within the large complex of former army barracks, it intertwines history, nature, culture and education. It will provide 19 types of services within 35 programmes, e.g. incubator and accelerator labs for the development of entrepreneurial skills for CCI and international residencies, exchanges and internships. The centre will support traditional crafts and interconnect them with new technologies in a re-use centre and woodworking, textile and jewellery workshops, while the large coworking centre will provide space for freelancers. Music rehearsal rooms, and a modern exhibition hall will provide a background for experimental theatres, exhibitions and skill development for sound engineers and light designers. The plan is to reach at least 8,500 participants (CCI employees and entrepreneurs, students and fresh graduates) during the implementation phase.

CCI is just what the doctor ordered for our local and regional tourism industry. They can develop new creative tourism products and elevate the quality and image of the destination. Heritage-based cultural tourism, along with conference and exhibition tourism will be complemented by new knowledge and skill-based activities and products. The visitors will gain more engaging cultural experience, while the destination will move

ECONOMIC SECTORS (OTHER THAN CCI) (OTHER SECTORS ECONOMIC from conservation towards innovation.

Audience development aimed at primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and lifelong learning plays a pivotal role both in the NK31 strategy as well as Nitra 2026 ECoC proposal. Students of secondary vocational and extracurricular art schools (age 4-25) are designated beneficiaries of the Creative Centre Nitra project, but it predicts cooperation with other schools as well. CCI will be a suita- ble low-threshold entry for disadvantaged groups into the labour market, devel-

CIVIL SOCIETY, EDUCATION CIVIL SOCIETY, oping their skills in creative studios for working with wood, metal and textiles. Cultural and community centre Hidepark

Fostering networking and cooperation with the academic sector in the city will be key to achieving sustainability of the helix. Cooperation with Constantine the Philosopher University (Department of Creative Arts and Art Education, Dep. of Mass Media Communication and Advertising, Dep. of Journalism, Dep. of Slovak Language and Literature) is already in the works. The Institute of Archaeology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences will participate in the creation and development of programs for 3D graphics. Traditional crafts will be linked with labs and research teams at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra and Research Centre AgroBioTech, specifically those oriented on en-

ACADEMIA, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH ACADEMIA, vironmentally friendly food packaging, landscape architecture and experimental brewing.

To show how we plan to connect our key sectors through ECoC, we have used the helix innovation The relationship of CCI with the city’s management is gradually improving. In 2019 a model. Normally, strategies built on multiplicative Committee for Culture and Creative Industries was formed as an advisory body to the council synergetic links across sectors are modelled using (until then culture topics were aggregated with tourism, and international relations and the new, more holistic version of the quadruple creative sector weren’t represented at all). We aim to deepen these connections further, e.g. Q6 helix innovation model. This is the quintuple helix, through activities such as Hackathon, which in its inaugural year brought together architects, which includes culture as one of its integral parts. engineers, students and citizens to collaboratively find solutions to removing barriers, greening Strengthening the capacity of the cultural and More often than not, however, culture – along with and revitalising public spaces. There is also an underused potential for cooperation between creative sectors and the long-term links between economic the natural environment – is relegated to the outer municipalities and their traditional crafts producers in merchandising and promotional and social sectors rims of the helix. But who’s to say that culture PUBLIC SECTOR material provision (including for ECoC). and CCI cannot be the driving force of the entire thing? The dynamic relationship between CCI and the environment might not be readily apparent, but we aim to establish it by bringing all these sectors together. The city, cultural centre Hidepark, scientists Various conceptual approaches to CCI have been from the Slovak University of Agriculture, landscape architects and local artists, in cooperation toying with this exact hypothesis for some time with students, local communities and particularly disadvantaged groups (e.g. migrants), will, under now. Interactions and ripple effects of our CCI the Horizon2020 project IN-HABIT, co-design and co-deploy the REMOULD concept (Reversible targeted capacity building strategy, most of which Multifunctional Open-source Urban Landscape) along one of the most polluted rivers in the country is integrated in the cultural strategy NK31 as well, running – the Nitra River. We will experiment with Arts&cRAFTS – live islands of phytoremediative are depicted via our inverted quintuple helix mod- plants creating floating land art above the surface, while absorbing heavy metals and providing a

14 el, shown on the right. 15 ENVIRONMENT NATURAL nesting place for fish below it. We started this bid book contemplating whether partner with other institutions and communities clusters and living labs) will be evaluated via so- it’s possible to break free rather than break down. themselves. Diverse communities will be reached cial network analysis. An interactive GIS-based We are convinced we can make the Breakthrough. by trained 10-15 Community Co-researchers – platform will be used to monitor the change in use The impacts we anticipate and hope for might local observers (mostly NGO members, represent- of public space and evaluation through sociotope seem like a dreamlike snapshot of a perfect future atives of disadvantaged groups and employees of and emotional mapping. It will provide real-time Q8 but we genuinely believe we can get there. Nitra Regional Development Agencies and Local Action information on attendance, satisfaction and shifts 2026 will be the catalyst. Getting us there faster Groups to also cover the region). in behaviour patterns as well as timely data to Foreseen long-term impacts and with fewer casualties. show if any course correction is necessary. Economic impact assessment (specifically that related to the tourism sector) will be conducted in While working on the application, and by be- WE… CULTURALLY SOCIALLY ECONOMICALLY ENVIRONMENTALLY cooperation with the Department of Geography ing a team from different backgrounds, a bit of …as Europeans …open new communication …tone down our growing ...have an attractive and ...become a go-to spot for and Regional Development at the Constantine “cross-contamination” happened. The process will… channels to remember the Euroscepticism and finally accessible offer for the rediscovering the cultivation the Philosopher University. Monitoring and evalua- alone changed our position on the relationship be- shared past of our continent, admit we are one! European visitor, a modern gene and showing our fellow celebrate the present and functioning smart infrastruc- Europeans how even a small tion of regional spillovers of economic impacts, tween science and art. British Nobel laureate Sir imagine the future together. ture, and play an active role city can be a leader and with focus on rural-urban linkages, will be Ronald Ross said it best “…they may be beautiful in a strong, joined up tourism example in sustainability. aided by the Department of Regional and Rural when apart, but are greatest only when com- model. Development of Slovak University of Agriculture. bined.” Since our programme hinges on partici- …as a region ...be clearly identifiable on …find common threads to …stop being confined to ...get back on track by bring- The social and cultural dimension of process- pation, we can look at our M&E as an art-based will… the map of Europe as a place build territorial and specifi- our newly acquired position ing our agricultural and with beautiful landscape, rich cally rural-urban cooperative on the periphery of a global natural heritage to life as an es, direct and indirect impacts will be investigated research – a channel of inquiry and a way for in preserved and accessible (not competitive) relation- automotive industry and find integral part of our culture in by partners from both of Nitra’s universities and in-depth understanding of more complex impacts. cultural heritage and diversi- ships. new avenues of economic more environmentally sus- ty of local cultures. value through cultural and tainable ways. the Centre for the Research of Ethnicity and creative industries and their Culture – an independent non-governmental Behavioural changes and impacts related to inclu- multiplier effects. organisation with nationwide scope. We will also sion, cohesion and wellbeing will be investigated …as a city …have a high quality of …have a systematic and …have a comprehensive …become more livable by be aided by the Laboratory of Neuroeconomy and through focus groups, interviews and behaviour- will… artistic production able to coordinated audience devel- and sustainable system of broadening our definition of respond to trends in culture opment system bringing to- support for people in culture space for culture to include Consumer Decision-Making at the AgroBioTech al games. This is also where our co-researchers and arts and attractive to gether efforts of cultural and and the creative industries, community gardens, parks, research centre. come into play to ensure participation of hard to all groups of residents and creative actors, public sector, especially in the field of cul- open fields, the river itself, reach communities in our evaluation process. visitors. educational institutions and tural heritage and traditional even the digital space, and by the civic society. crafts. sustainable re-utilisation of The how and when… 40-50 specially selected people (families and “grey spaces.” individuals with diverse backgrounds) will be …as a community …increase our participation …create an inclusive atmos- …learn to apply our inherent …become the mediating link Internal quality control and risk assessment of subject to a longitudinal study and asked to keep will… in the cultural life of the city phere that will allow every- creativity and cultivation between the environment processes of programmes, projects and events a special diary. Through recurring participative and engage in intercultural body in, regardless of their gene to solve a wide variety and the necessities of urban dialogue to promote mutual age, origin, ethnicity, religion, of pressing current and development, through our ac- development and implementation will be carried storytelling and interviews with our test subjects understanding. socio-economic status or future issues and to tive participation in sustaina- out continuously by the internal monitoring and we will discover what it’s like to “live through” a other background. create added value and dis- ble care and revitalisation of evaluation team and the Sustainability Officer. It transformation of the city through the European tribute it fairly and equally. our common spaces. will also cover processes within the governance Capital of Culture. …as individuals …step out of our comfort …become co-creators, ...continue developing our ....cease to view ourselves mechanism itself. Results will be published twice Partial baseline data gathering will start as will… zones to open ourselves to place-makers, city-shapers, skills and creativity as a com- as being exploiters and different cultures and redis- and especially good neigh- mitment to lifelong learning occasionally victims of the a year, but comprehensive reports will be com- soon as the second stage of the application pro- cover our own identity in the bours, regaining our sense of and personal development. environment, and accept piled in December 2022, June 2024 and October cess. During this stage we also plan to test some process. responsibility for places and our roles as its curators and communities we live in. temporary custodians. 2025 to coincide with monitoring meetings by the of our proposed methodology within our outreach Commission’s panel in order to get best possible activities. It will also provide us with an opportu- …as parents …share our knowledge, …create a healthy, inspi- ...start to perceive culture ...remember the upcycling, and grandparents cultural heritage, experience rational and stimulating as an opportunity for better reusing and repairing ways feedback. We will also use “mystery visitors” for nity to co-design Nitra 2026 specific indicators will… and stories with younger environment for our children work-life balance, specifically along with a plethora of other some projects and processes. with our target groups. To what end? Most impor- generations. and grandchildren and make to spend more quality time sustainable practices of older them active members of the with our families. generations as an important tantly to ensure that our methodology is based on community. part of our modern life. We need to ensure comparability with other past realistic and stereotype free indicators and target …as children ...hopefully inherit all of this! and present ECoC cities to promote transferabil- values and that resulting benefits are equally will… ity and a need for sound and actionable evidence distributed. It also ensures greater accountability on the multifaceted ways the European Capital of and democratisation of the entire process. Culture initiative can contribute to long-term sus- collection and evaluation, continuous audience tainable development. This is why we will adopt To raise additional funding for proposed moni- research – preferences and barriers to participa- the common core indicators indicated in the toring and evaluation activities, we plan to sub- tion of target disadvantaged groups) and system Commission’s guidelines for the cities’ own evalu- mit an application for funding in 2024-2025 from of impact assessment (direct and indirect impact ation (e.g. N° of new cross-border collaborations, Visegrad Fund. Why exactly then? Because we of cultural activities on the business environment) co-productions and exchanges involving local and plan to invite Veszprém (our Hungarian twin city, Q9 are specified in the strategy. In short, this is international operators, geographical area covered one year after its ECoC year) and the Czech and something we are very committed to. in the artistic programme and increase in GDP and Polish ECoC cities which will also have been an- Monitoring and evaluation employment in cities’ cultural and creative sectors). nounced by then. A joint research project will be The what and who… a unique opportunity to correlate ex-ante, ongo- The need for a comprehensive monitoring and We also need to deliver what we specifically ing and ex-post monitoring and evaluation efforts evaluation strategy doesn’t stem just from the We plan to push our participatory angle to the promised in this application. This is why a con- across four European Capitals of Culture. We will requirements of any large-scale cultural project. It end! And especially to the monitoring and eval- text-based approach will be developed to com- investigate our common topics to promote city- is also a clear requirement amongst the objectives uation process. Next to the usual suspects – the plement the required monitoring and evaluation to-city learning and cross-pollination of developed in Nitra’s NK31 strategy. Specifically, the imple- universities, monitoring and evaluation team and methodology. Within this approach, the dynam- actions. This collaboration will bring us valuable mentation of feedback collection from the audi- the Sustainability Officer who are a part of the -im ic shifts in the institutional environment (e.g. experiences, and we will forward ours to the next 16 ence (qualitative and quantitative actionable data plementing organisation (see Q32) – we will also 17 networking, cooperation, emergence of creative ECoC generation. Openness Ubiquity

In the process of writing this bid, we often heard The drastic impact of the ongoing pandemic the phrase “We could return Nitra to Europe on the arts and culture sector almost broke it to where it rightfully belongs!” The problem with this pieces. When they fall into place again, they have Cultural statement is its protagonist. We cannot return to do so in a different order. One that is more Nitra to Europe on our own. It can only happen as resilient. By making culture boundless, we will a result of a two-way relationship. One that opens bring it to people. Our strategy is to recreate Nitra Nitra inwards and outwards, involving our cultural into a vibrant scene that reveals culture far-and- and social capital in international and regional wide. In public spaces, natural environments, even and artistic partnerships, participating in and creating our own pockets. By breaking these barriers, we projects across borders. will contribute to Nitra becoming a happier and healthier society whilst transforming its arts and Synthesis cultural scene into a more resilient one. content Our strategy is to create a city as an open-source The current situation also pointed out the vast synergic space, inspiring natural sharing of know- gaps in our “digital thinking” in relation to culture. how and initiating cooperation between various That’s why each of our programme lines includes currently disconnected cultural actors or areas a project conceived almost solely for the digital traditionally not associated with culture and arts. world and most of the projects have digital As a result, our projects often surpass the term outputs woven into them. “artistic” as their interdisciplinary nature blends together diverse cultural and social fields – art Edginess with science, education, leisure and business, culture and agriculture. We don’t understand edginess only as bringing in cutting-edge and experimental art forms. We perceive it as a way of thinking – even about seem- ingly mundane things and activities. Challenging our traditional perception of what art is, and what it isn’t, will transform our society into a more creative one that finds and enjoys art in the most unexpected places and situations. Our artistic vision and strategy to make Nitra 2026 the Breaking Point is built upon the following principles: Q10 Participation International Theatre Festival Divadelná Nitra 2019 There is a reason why words for “creativity” and Artistic vision and strategy “culture” come from working on the fertile soil and making things grow. By reactivating our Our artistic vision and strategy is to make Nitra cultivation gene, we will give every citizen the 2026 the Breaking Point. Driving artistic creation power of being a creator and producer. Of course, and cultural engagement of local people to a point doing so responsibly in regard to our surrounding where the energy suddenly is at a breaking point! environment. Furthermore, these opportunities And instead of breaking down, it breaks free. will empower our huge but untapped potential – our students and youth – to become active Like a giant snowball being rolled up the hill participants in the present and future transforma- during the preparation years and collecting all tion of Nitra. Only when Nitra cares for its people, the good stuff along the way… And when it is at can Nitra be a city they care for. its tip, it erupts into the valley as an avalanche of creativity and fun! Into a year that will let Nitra Sincerity never fall back to where it was before. We find there to be no better recourse for small Nitra 2026 as the Breaking Point is a place where cities to kickstart their transformations than an the dysfunctional is broken down, replanted and honest look at their present and past. This honesty put together into something healthy and resilient. and authenticity go to the core of our approach. Where the energy makes Nitra’s cultivation With sincerity, we can break free of the restraints gene break into action and our challenges break of preconceptions and dogmas. We can become through our limitations to become opportunities. a self-reflective and critical society that doesn’t believe in “magical” solutions but in systematic and strategic processes based on constant reevaluation of our present status and thoughtful 18 reflection on our past. 19  Break the Cycle the oldest living Nitrančans or immersive LARP days Nitra 26 to 26 – a chance to spend a day in Nitra in each In a thousand-year-old city like Nitra, it’s easy to get lost decade of the past century. in the cycle of the recurring narrative of our identity. That’s why it’s equally easy to take on the role of an an- Nitra: Possible. Q11 archist, destroying the old and becoming the “hero” with whom a new history begins. Can we find the balance be- But… what if some of it did not happen? What if Nitra Outline and structure of our tween the two extremes? The projects of this BREAK are was never bombed in World War II? What if Slovakia cultural programme about a genuine and sober look within our past heritage never became a socialist state? What if the visionary and present state that will hopefully result in surefooted architectural designs of the 80s were actually built? The structure of the Nitra 2026 programme is divided stepping ahead to a less backwards-looking and more Nitra: Possible. offers an unusual chance to take a into 3 BREAKS as our programme lines: Break The inclusive future of shaping a European identity. break and think “What if?” A selection of artists from Cycle, Break the Silence and Break the Ground. different fields will be invited in 2025 for workshops Each presents cultural and artistic activities not only Keywords: memory, self-perception, self-reflection, with local historians to envisage Nitra that could have as a reflection of the most pressing challenges Nitra re:members, identity, past, present, authenticity, been – if some of its past played out slightly differently. and many of its European counterparts face, but as a honesty, big history, small history Then, they will create a spectacular journey through the is a means of looking past their halos and breaking the creative and engaging way of tackling them head-on. alternate history of Nitra, via visualisations, paintings, gap between them then and us now. Historians and Looking for answers to them – or at least, as a way of FLAGSHIP VR experiences or short stories and films. performance artists will join forces to create a series of starting important conversations. on-the-spot performance experiences that will put the Nitra: Lost. Possible. Future. Nitra: Future. Brothers in the Nitra of today, letting them react to their immortal status but mostly to contemporary issues with #past #future #whatif #art #science #reality #fiction The technological advancements, the ecological crisis, a perspective of more than a millennium. These will be #fluidity #audiencedevelopment the migrants’ influx… the world we live in is changing digitised in a form of online video series. quicker than ever. Nitra: Future. looks towards the future and offers a glimpse to the possible world of tomorrow. Duration: Summer 2026 While Lost. and Possible. invites historians to collabo- rate, Future. asks scientists – futurologists, ecologists or sociologists – for help. How will Nitra look in 2076? How The Alley of Unsung Heroes will it be affected by climate change? Will its vast peach orchards and vineyards be replaced by olive and fig gar- #presentdayheroes #realidols #visualart #present dens? Apart from invited artists and scientists, Future. #sustainability #contemporary #temporary will closely collaborate with Nitrančans of tomorrow: our preschoolers, pupils, teens and university students. Together they will imagine various scenarios of our future: realistic, utopian, dystopian or maybe even the one most unimaginable – where there’s no Nitra at all.

The ecological part of this chapter will be a digital art pro- ject mentioned in the Break the Ground programme line. An ambitious interdisciplinary project standing on the verge of reality, fiction and prediction. Taking place In cooperation with regional institutions such as Gallery throughout the whole ECoC year, its main aim is to look of Ernest Zmeták in Nové Zámky and Platform 1-12 at the fluidity of Nitra’s identity in time and to start an in- in Topoľčany, the event will spread through the region teractive discussion about who we were, could have been as the principle will be applied on a smaller scale to our and are possibly going to be. The main exhibition in one neighbouring cities as well. of the great halls of Agrokomplex EXPO will be accompa- nied by site-specific installations, guided tours, theatre Duration: Throughout 2026 (workshops in 2025) performances, film screenings, VR experiences, talks, de- Who deserves a statue? And do they actually need to bates, artistic residencies and an online catalogue. be put up? We think so – but they don’t have to be eter- What Would the Brothers Say? nal, and their purpose should not be to deify people. The The project tells the story of various “versions” of Nitra Alley of Unsung Heroes is our contribution to the on-go- in three chapters: #heroes #comeback #mythbusting #authentic ing heated debate on the reevaluation of history, which #legends #audiencedevelopment involves devaluing statues of important historical fig- Nitra: Lost. ures and idols all over the world. The project consists The St. Cyril and Methodius. The Apostles of Slavs. of a series of pedestals in Nitra City Park where resi- Nitra of the past 120 years is a city of five different The Patrons of Europe. The two brothers whose impact dent artists will place sculptures made up of experimen- regimes, each with different values and mindset. culturally connects several European nations – Slovaks, tal art forms that are both contemporary and temporary. Sometimes building on each other but often trying Czechs, Hungarians, Croats, Bulgarians, Serbs, Contemporary European or local heroes – may it be the to start anew. Nitra: Lost. reveals the layers of our Russians, Ukrainians, Macedonians and Poles. Their mis- latest Nobel Prize Winner or a local firefighter – will be -de heritage lost in this process: the ethnically and reli- sion was to enlighten the minds, to help the isolated, to picted as sculptures made of ice, degradable plastics, giously diverse neighbourhoods, cosy cafés and shops in cross differences.Revered and loved, their presence is plants or as an augmented reality. the city, unique folk dances or distinctive meals. Prepare embedded in Nitra’s identity. But are their ideas? When for augmented reality guided tours through the lost celebrating them, we mostly do so from a distance, mak- Duration: Jan – Jun 2026 (residencies), Jun 2026 Jewish quarter of Párovce, an exhibition of photos from ing them untouchable. What Would the Brothers Say? (opening) The Upper Town Funk  We are interested in ethnographic-anthropological  Break the Silence genres and immersive theatre. #twoworlds #integration #arttherapy #foodculture  Final outputs: performative, visual and multidisci- The unprecedented situation of isolation we currently plinary works on the topic of local cultural memory. face highlights the biggest problem Nitra has – atomi- The silence in the upper town is broken by a regular 3 site-specific works will enliven selected technical sation of our society. Can we break the echo chambers series of events: film screenings and concerts in the monuments or sites associated with intangible we live in and the barriers that hold us in? We think castle moat, night tours, craft market, historical martial cultural heritage (performative, visual, multimedia) so, through openness to ourselves and to everyone we arts performances and live sculptures performed by  3 experience tours share common space with. The projects of this BREAK primary and secondary art school students and exterior  Online archive of families of agriculture towns and propose a way out of these in a way of multi-faceted performances on the theme of Great Moravia. The villages and online guided tours of the intangible dialogue. premises of Salesian Centre EFFETA and the Diocesan heritage Charity, a space recently used by Syrian migrants, now Keywords: dialogue, inclusion, isolation, mental health, open up the possibility of an “OPEN PASTA KITCHEN” Duration: 2025 (residencies), Spring & Summer 2026 connection, cooperation, speaking up offering work to marginalised groups. They offer you (presentation) special homemade Nitra pasta – slíže. We will use the spiritual and meditative nature of the environment to FLAGSHIP hold therapeutic art workshops. Nitra’s newly established virtual Museum of Parallel MADE IN NR #2 Culture will present this fascinating but almost forgotten International Theatre Festival Duration: Summer 2026 era of cultural rebels and mavericks. From X-ray vinyl (Me)dentity – (EU)dentity Divadelná Nitra ‘35 bootlegging, amateur dubbing culture of Western blockbusters and electrical engineers building satellites #identity #westerneasternheritage #documentary #dialogue #freedom #crossgenre #mentalhealth Back to the People Theatre Wagon from garbage can tops to get prohibited Austrian TV #progressive #regional #interdisciplinary signal to samizdat books – the Museum’s peculiar In 2026 fewer Nitrančans will remember the totalitar- #wanderers #nomads #fun #villagepeople online exhibition will showcase a fascinating part of our ianism and economic decline of the 80s and 90s. Far More than a progressive exhibition of contemporary #audiencedevelopment history and the resilience of culture. The Museum will more will identify our political and economic failures performing art that presents new artistic tendencies and present its contents through an online gallery, its own and successes with the era when we were a part of the crosses genre borders. In 2026, the biggest theatre Bring theatre back to the people! Teatro Tatro is an podcast, blogs, documentary series, interactive games, EU. We want to know how the identity of the locals has festival in Slovakia and one of the biggest in Central independent wandering theatre troupe led by well-known online talks, and an open-online library for local citizens changed compared to previous generations. Europe will celebrate its 35 years in big style. Breaking director Ondrej Spišák with vast experience from several who were a part of this phenomenon. In 2026, we will out of its traditional proportions and boundaries in European countries. Their work is inspired by magical organise a series of live presentations, film screenings Examining the process of identification from the indi- length, size and boldness. realism and the tradition of nomadic theatrefolk. In and pop-up exhibits. vidual to the social and vice-versa, the resulting works 2026 we will bring this tradition back on (the) track as will provide answers to the questions of the mutual Divadelná Nitra ‘35 the troupe will go on a summer tour through the hidden Duration: 2025 (preparation), 2026 (launch) heritage of Eastern and Western Europe, to its current corners of Nitra Region that haven’t experienced theatre transformation and its reflection in culture. We are The main festival programme in September 2026 will performances in ages. Setting up their theatre trailer interested in the connections and breaking points that present 20 – 25 productions that deal with personal in the smallest villages, housing estates in the cities’ MADE IN NR: RESIDENCES AND CO-PRODUCTIONS affected the identity of individual nations. The project and social distance in 5 sections: Slovak Showcase, suburbs or even on the parking lots of industrial parks to will involve: European Contemporary, Suomalainen Teatteri (Finnish bring some fun for workers during their work-breaks. MADE IN NR #1 showcase), (Me)identity – (EU)identity (open call  International residencies of artistic teams from 7 projects), and A Touch From Afar (atypical virtual space Duration: Spring 2026 Survivors?! European countries (3 from Western Europe, 3 from projects). Eastern Europe, 1 from Slovakia) in the Nitra Region Additionally, it will provide: activities as artistic in- #revival #abandoned #futureofoursoil #tradition  7 performative and cross-genre works from 7 terventions in public space, AGORA that develops public NITRA26.DIGITAL #1 #audiencedevelopment countries conversation with different communities, MORE THAN  Presentation of works during the International Festival BEAUTY, a series of events devoted to the arts ability of Museum of Parallel Culture The abandoned sugar factory in Šurany, crumbling mills Divadelná Nitra and other partner institutions and dealing with mental health issues. The festival will also on the river Zittau, the Solčany manor. This is only part events within Europe hold speed meeting sessions and networking events for #quirky #popculture #easternbloc #unknown of the testimony of the region’s famous villages associ-  Online documentary outputs presented online theatre professionals and amateurs alike in pursuit of #forbiddenculture ated with agricultural production. They survived the war searching for borderless theatrical connections. and nationalisation but not the privatisation and a new Duration: 2025 (residencies), Fall 2026 (premieres), 1964, somewhere in Eastern Europe. Night. A flashing selling-out model. The multi-generational connection of 2027 (touring) Divadelná Nitra_Polycentricity street lamp lights up the back of a suspicious dumpster the local population with the land was disrupted, and the diver behind a hospital. He emerges, holding a handful process of the disappearing agrarian heritage began. For the first time ever, Divadelná Nitra will spread from of discarded X-ray films. Back at home, he cautiously The last chance to save them is to reuse them. In our our two theatre buildings not only to the streets, parks carves perfect circles out of them and puts them on to a case, through art. and suburbs of Nitra but also to other major cities in buzzing home-made device connected to his old record Co-production projects as the result of special Nitra Region – in the form of weekend festivals during player. In the morning, he won’t be an owner of just one residencies will bring attention to the forgotten the year. Prepare for Divadelné Nové Zámky, Divadelné Love Me Do single but of many – bootlegged and ready technical monuments and all kinds of intangible Topoľčany or Divadelná Šaľa! These cities may not have to sell on the streets. agrarian heritage tied to them and their future. proper theatres, but they all have abandoned industrial or neglected public spaces that theatre will breathe life From the 1950s to 1980s, the cultural cosmos of the  4 residences for performative, visual and multimedia into once again. Eastern Bloc was split into two worlds. One happening artists, researchers and digital artists from Slovakia in broad daylight, sanctioned by the officials; the other, and abroad will work by the method of field research, Duration: Sep / Oct 2026 (International Festival living in the shadows in garages, pubs, black markets or i.e. participatory outputs in the villages. Selection by Divadelná Nitra), Jan – Aug 2026 (Divadelná through secret letter clubs. open call. Nitra_Polycentricity) Protesta Festival & Conference discussions, community events, a children’s programme, equipment and warm comfort. Couch, TV with prepaid and fun that breaks the routine. Housing estates in school events and many other activities. In 2026, [fjúžn] streaming services, library, collection of comics, board the suburbs, nursing homes for our elders or hospital #protesting #speakup #freespeech #activecitizens will bring its unique philosophy to Nitra. games, small self-service kitchen, you know the deal. complexes changing into temporary sites to prove that To raise the voice of foreigners, migrants and refu- A place where anyone can spend the whole day play- culture can work anywhere. gees. To present the culture and life of new minorities. ing, working, reading without having to consume. To create opportunities for encounters. To show the di- It will offer events – serially and individually, e.g. Duration: Throughout 2026 versity of Slovakia. To sensitise the wide public. To fight literary readings, lectures, film marathons, board game prejudices. To unite. competitions, etc. The largest event – Comic Con Nitra NITRA26.DIGITAL #2 spanning over 3 days will bring Cozytown’s atmosphere Duration: Fall 2026 to one of the Agrokomplex EXPO’s main halls. Nitra, dear Nitra_Rework

Duration: 2026 #thisistheanthem #contemporaryidentity #cocreation Sauna on Wheels & Break #audiencedevelopment The Ice Festival Nitra 100h – Musical Marathon Anthems. Football clubs, states, international organisa- #sauna #breaktheice #resilience #brrrr tions and others distinguish themselves with them. Or #music #improv #talkingthroughmusic do they? Are they a romanticised fetish of the past or do they still hold value? Let’s talk through music! In this ambitious project curated by the local musical hero and versatile musician Our local anthem ‘Nitra, dear Nitra’ is almost 150 years When journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Igor Holka, we will bring together over 200 musicians old, reflecting the ideas of the national uprising of the Kušnírová were killed in 2018, the very core of our values from all over Europe. Igor, who has years of experience 19th century. We want to know how it would sound today. was shaken. Even more so in Nitra as this is where they working with integrating marginalised groups through An artistic team selected via open call will try to come up both met as young university students. When the whole music, envisions the project as a continuous musical im- with the anthem’s rework – be it a parody, a critical piece, country spoke up and rallied peacefully in the streets, so provisation where musicians – professionals, amateurs an artifact of the time, or all of the above. did Nitra – in a protest organised by their friends. or even casual bystanders – are taking batons from one The project is meant as an online collaborative We see protesting and the ability to speak freely another for more than 4 days; switching tempos, genres, process with citizens of Nitra spanning throughout without being threatened as one of the most important moods and volumes. We believe this could become a 2026. Articles about the city, annual reports of various signs of free society. Protesta Festival celebrates this legacy project with Nitra becoming a musical capital of institutions, fan chants, memes associated with Nitra, right with a unique event aimed at presenting the idea Europe for 100 hours every year. The marathon will be or other documents and pop-cultural elements will of protesting and speaking up around the world. From streamed and saved for later viewing on its own website. form the work’s basis. Whether a prototype of a flying French Revolution to current protests in Belarus, the fes- car or a dog lost in a housing estate is more interesting tival will present the history of protesting through visual Can we make this go viral? We sure think so! for Nitrančans, will be shown in the resulting rework of art exhibition, series of concerts, a theatre-like protest Where better to break the ice between locals, new- the anthem presented in a form of a music video, later flash mob; a special VR installation in the city centre comers and foreigners than in a sauna? In partnership Duration: May 2026 possibly performed live in Nitra Amphitheatre. will transport its visitors to famous historical rallies and with our Finnish ECoC sister city, we will build a trans- protests and a participatory exhibition for locals to share portable sauna that will move around Nitra’s suburbs Duration: Winter-Spring 2026 (process), Summer 2026 their memories on Czecho-Slovak Velvet Revolution or and the neighbouring villages throughout winter so The View From The Cheap Seats (Presentation) recent protests of 2018. everyone can get the sense of what the sauna culture is about – equality, honesty and fun! #isolation #socialdistance #publicspace #fun RESIDENCES AND CO-PRODUCTIONS: MADE IN The festival will conclude with a two-day conference The Sauna will be presented at the annual Polar #audiencedevelopment NR. where journalists, media experts, protest organisers and Bear Festival in Nitra City Park, a popular event where philosophers from around Europe will look at the prob- the cold swimmers from all around Slovakia come to MADE IN NR #3 lems and dangers that modern democracy and its most meet and burst with endorphins every year. During its important institutions such as free journalism and the 2026 version it will change into Break The Ice Festival, I-solated right to speak up face in today’s post-factual era. where we would like to invite international swimmers and health specialists to talk about how cold swimming #isolation #arttheraphy #marginalised #participation Duration: Nov 2026 (The Velvet Revolution Anniversary) leads to a more harmonious way of life, greater resilience #audiencedevelopment to stress and often to becoming a member of a strong and healthy community. Art as a tool for mental health. This residence will [fjúžn] nitra provide space for the creation of works that draw Duration: Jan 2026 (The Festival), attention to the individual, to their experience of today, to #newminorities #diversity #unity Jan-Mar + Nov-Dec 2026 (The Sauna) coping with the drastic changes in their daily lives. One #audiencedevelopment of the main motives is feelings of loneliness and isola- tion, whether in the case of disadvantaged groups or the Get to know the world we have at home. The [fjúžn] Cozytown. Population: Anyone general population due to various issues we all have to festival has been organised by the Milan Šimečka face to survive, let alone thrive. We are aiming at project Foundation in Bratislava since 2006. It has gradually be- #sharedspace #inclusion #playtime #books proposals with a participatory character and online come a unique and also the largest multi-genre and mul- #audiencedevelopment The best seat is your balcony, the best stage is the approach. The call for participation in the residence will ticultural event focused on migration and foreigners in yard in front of your home. A set of events that experi- be open to professional artists from various fields. Slovakia with a national and international significance. Ever wished you and your friends could share time ment with live art forms combining the flexibility of an It goes beyond one kind of art and offers a rich and together in a living room – just not your own? Cozytown. independent culture with the need to bring art to people diverse programme. Concerts, exhibitions, literature, Population: Anyone is a space in the city centre that is outside the traditional cultural points. No serious theme, theatre, film, workshops, lectures and presentations, just that – a big public living room with all its classic only some new circus, buskers, stand-up comedians  Break the Ground All gardens will be equipped with basic event invento- ry (stage, audio and light equipment, projector, etc.) for its Wandering for a Miracle We Nitrančans often pride ourselves on being those co-owners to host their own cultural programme with the living at one with their land. Growers capable of growing help of Nitra 2026 Team. Swaps, upcycling workshops, #nature #nightart #beyond anything. In truth, this image is quickly fading away. barbecues, screenings, concerts, markets could form just Can we save it while it’s still alive? And can we use its a part of the programmes that local people can develop. Art in nature, nature in art. Miracles consist of a com- principles in growing... people? The projects of this bination of these concepts. After an hour-long journey BREAK see sustainability – ecological or cultural, Duration: 2022 to 2026 through the night landscape, visitors will encounter a participation in creation and cultivation of the human performance that embodies the relationship between potential as one interconnected topic. art and nature. Six performances by independent artists Take Over the Institution! and established theatres will be tailored for these series Keywords: cultivation, growing, agri-culture, by eight creative teams. environment, sustainability, participation, potential #youth #students #univercity #outofcomofortzone Our society, surrounded by the dilemmas of moral- #audiencedevelopment ity, ecology, law and humanity, finds itself in the uncer- tainty of tomorrow. The belief in miracles can play an FLAGSHIP Fields of Multiculture is a unique co-creation project important role in it. bringing together artists, agricultural researchers and Gardens of Nitra local farmers. The project has an ecological and social Duration: Summer 2026 overlap as a metaphor of one of the greatest European #cultivation #growing #gardening #community ideas – multiculturalism. #natureandculture #audiencedevelopment NITRA2026.DIGITAL #3 Duration: Spring 2026 Nitra: Future_climate

The Self-Preservation Society #climatecrisis #ourfuture #environment

#foodculture #fermentation #pickles The most pressing crisis that cannot be avoided. This #jams #fruitsandveggies #preservation digital project is an important extension of the previously #audiencedevelopment mentioned project Nitra: Future. Working closely with ecologists, climatologists, agricultural researchers and artists, it presents the vision of Nitra in the forthcoming The king is dead, long live the king! Well, not quite. The century from the perspective of its environment hit by an king will only temporarily step away… but you get the unprecedented change. Digital maps of Nitra Region’s gist of it. One of the most traditional cultural institutions climate in the next decades, interactive visualisations of Nitra, the imposing Andrej Bagar Theatre, will be of the climate crisis impact on various places around seized for one week by Erasmus+ students and students the region and open-calls for design and architectural from local art faculties and conservatories. Taking local solutions for urban/natural spaces most endangered by This project simply makes too much sense. As a society managers, artists and technicians out of their comfort the changing conditions. culturally connected to the soil but facing atomisation, zone. Working together with the professional team the isolation and consumerism, in need for more functional students will take over the operation of the theatre, pre- Duration: Throughout 2026 public space, yet blessed with perfect natural conditions, senting their work during the European Theatre Night. we aim to build 4 state-of-the-art community gardens as They will have their hands free, so we will not provide local neighbourhood centres scattered throughout Nitra. more information on the description. But you can count MADE IN NR: RESIDENCES AND CO-PRODUCTIONS on it to be an original and unexpected evening – with In 2022 we will develop a cohesive plan along with who knows what consequences. MADE IN NR #4 local community garden pioneers CUKETA and the With an abundance of crops, hard working farmers from Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering Duration: Nov 2026 Nitra face the same challenge after every harvest. What The River and its People from the Slovak University of Agriculture which will to do with all of it? And in comes the ancient technique of include online questionnaires, door to door campaigns food preservation. From grapes to wine, honey to mead, #publicspace #river #natural and participatory meetings and discussions in different Fields of Multiculture cabbage to sauerkraut, carrots, cucumber and pepper neighbourhoods interested in having their own garden. to čalamáda or plums and apricots to jams, this unique A series of international workshops happening from In 2023, the faculty will put community garden #visualart #landart #ecology #agriculture #diversity festival aims to spark interest in reclaiming our food as a 2022 in cooperation with the Slovak architectural studio projects with their specific localities in the curriculum, #audiencedevelopment means of cultural survival, taking action to break off the Woven, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engi- creating a co-creation platform for students, teachers confining dependency of the role of consumer, reactivat- neering (Slovak University of Agriculture) and then in and garden-hungry residents. In 2024 and 2025 the Break the monocultures, bring on the multicultures! The ing our primordial cultivation gene and taking back our 2026 with the Polish workshop initiative Mood for Wood. project will be implemented, in 2026 already flourishing. aim of Fields of Multiculture is to point out the dangers and dignity and power by becoming producers and creators. Confronting the Nitra River and its unused sides, young The gardens will not only enliven our neighbourhoods disadvantages of agricultural monocultures through the The Self-Preservation Society will closely work with architects and designers will face a challenge of revital- visually but will mostly serve as organic community hubs prism of visual art. Resident artists from all over Europe in local farmers, community gardens, artisans and our ising it into a functional public space with site-specific offering an inclusive space that stimulates social interac- cooperation with scientists from Slovak Agricultural Uni- elders, who will share their wisdom on preserving food wooden objects. tion. Primary activities will be planned with experts from versity will transform several hectare sized and rather dull through a series of workshops. These processes will be the Slovak University of Agriculture and the teams of fields into visually interesting and colorful works of large- preserved (pun intended) digitally in a form of an epony- Duration: 2022 to 2026 CUKETA and Hidepark, and will include eco-education, scale land art. These will serve as striking invitations to mous docuseries. workshops (plant care, cooking classes, preservation the city for those coming to Nitra 2026 by highway. And workshops, up-cycling workshops, creative workshops). will make just driving by much harder. Duration: Fall 2026 MADE IN NR #5 documents, interactive games, online discussions 26+ and an online open library). Together with other Imaginarium Nitrančans we will bring the old city anthem 26+ is our plan to involve significant events from Nitra (project Nitra, dear Nitra_Rework) into a mod- #potential #growth #prosandnonpros #inspiration and Nitra Region that will contribute to the diverse ern-day version. #audiencedevelopment spectrum of our programme and potentially raise Q12 We also deal with what defines Nitra the their international profile by being part of the ECoC. most – the cultural heritage connected with A series of creative residencies connecting two groups: Examples include: How we combine local cultural heritage agriculture – characteristic for us and the professional artists and non-professional artists with and traditional art forms with new, innovative whole of Pannonia. In the co-production project children and teenagers attending basic art schools in  FEBRUARY and experimental cultural expressions Survivors?! we initiate artistic work based on Nitra and the region, as well as amateur ensembles from Nitra Fašiangy –Traditional spring carnival. cutting edge immersive theatre that will utilise the surroundings of Zlaté Moravce. Who will open the Our programmes focus on the cultural heritage historical technical monuments, such as a horizon to whom and show new ways of thinking about  MARCH of Nitra a lot. We simply love re-discovering it, decaying mill, sugar refinery or a cooperative artistic creation? Nitra Musical Spring – Classical music festival. nurturing it, making it our own, translating it farm. The Self-Preservation Society project into contemporary approaches for our present will experiment with the popular art of fruit and  2 artistic residencies with non-professional artists  APRIL generations and forwarding it to the next. In our vegetables preserving. Our traditional gastronomy held in Nitra Gardenia – International exhibition for gardeners. programme… rooted in flour-based meals and noodles will be  2 interdisciplinary works that cooperate with several revived in the Open Pasta Kitchen. departments of the school  MAY ...we look at Ars Organi – Organ festival turning churches into the past with a multidisciplinary approach Our effort within theBreak the Ground line is Duration: Spring 2026 concert halls. discovering a diverse spectrum of values. to bring current green issues and sustainability Postmutart – Intermedial festival of progressive art. together with the natural and agricultural tradition Nitra Market – City centre market and a music festival. ...we emphasise of the region by providing it with the space for Night of Museums and Galleries intergenerational participation and active growing fruit and vegetables in urban areas Night of Literature experience – the stories, emotions, particular (Gardens of Nitra), as well as connecting it with Nitra Majáles – Student music festival. people and interconnections between genera- nature itself (The Fields of Multiculture, The tions, creators, the public and communities. River and its People).  MAY – SEPTEMBER Then there’s our “celebrities.” Great Moravia Hidepark – Cultural Centre Summer Season. ...we’re looking for and Cyril & Methodius. If we’re being honest, a solid base – we’re rooted in research, but we we have received far too much information on  JUNE are imaginative, too. this period from both informative and artistic Zittau Folk Festival – Regional folk festival. sources. However, what we feel is still missing, is ...we’re interested in their evaluation outside the given standard forms.  JULY the artistic approach to our cultural heritage We will give this a thought in the interdisciplinary Academic Nitra – International festival of folk ensembles. using progressive methods as VR, AR, project What Would the Brothers Say?, through Basement Festival (Komárno) – Electronic music festival. 3D-rendering and others. live performances and online video series. Táborák Fest (Levice) – Music festival in the castle. The Upper Town Funk project opens ...we make accessible the complex of Nitra Castle and Upper Town  AUGUST our cultural heritage in digital form. We don’t to Nitrančans and tourists and attracts their Drumpoint Slovakia – International drums festival. want to be limited by time, nor by space. attention by film screening and concerts of Flaam Festival – Multi-genre festival experiment and contemporary artists. the counterculture “liebling”. ...we make sustainable We follow the theatre tradition of Nitra by Slížovica – Rock music festival organised and curated the current form of tradition in ordinary life of aiming our focus on contemporary performance by our most famous band. the community for future generations. art (e.g. Back to the People Theatre Wagon), and at the same time we nurture its future develop-  SEPTEMBER Our Break the Cycle programme line does not ment in the Imaginarium infrastructural project Campana Fest – World music festival with a massive talk about the old, washed up stories and values, and residency. parade through the city. but tries to discover something deeper, something The [fjúžn] nitra project will present the local Fokus Pokus – Festival of independent theatre. hidden at first sight. We know quite a lot about the ethnic, religious and migrant groups’ cultures European Heritage Days Great Moravia era, but not quite as much about of today’s Nitra. Through events such as concerts, Grape Harvest Festival (Topoľčianky) the period after it, since the generation of the discussions, readings, exhibitions, theatre 20th century is slowly disappearing. This is where performances, workshops, lectures, presentations  OCTOBER we start digging. and many others. In the co-production project Day of Architecture and residency (Me)dentity – (EU)dentity the aim Levice Fair Market (Levice) – Traditional event and For example, the project Nitra: Lost. Possible. is the search for similarities and differences in communal celebration of the city. Future. will elaborate themes of the past with Europe’s identities. All rooted in the past, but all Nitra Musical Autumn – Festival of classic music. a contemporary multidisciplinary approach having to redefine themselves very much for the and futuristic visions, incorporating up-to-date present day and the next decades impacted by  NOVEMBER formats like LARP. migration, digitalisation and a changing attitude European Theatre Night with “place.” The project Museum of Parallel Culture will  DECEMBER present the everyday reality of the generations Nitra Christmas City – Traditional Christmas market of the past regime in the form of various with loads of good music and family activities. 29 digital outputs (online gallery, podcast, blogs, ideas during a public workshop that took place Here are examples of our planned involvement of local on 22 May 2020 and where 10 individuals and artists and organisations in concrete projects: groups presented their ideas. Breaking Point is a synthesis of many of the presented ideas. Break the Cycle Apart from the artistic programme, this Nitra: Lost. Possible. Future. What Would the Brothers Say? Q13 unprecedented conjunction of local and regional  Zuzana Godálová, art curator – project creator  Ivan Martinka, artist – art curator, director, object designer cultural and creative sector also provided insight  Juraj Kusy, designer – project creator  Institute of Archeology of the Slovak Academy of Science  Nitra Gallery  Private Conservatory in Nitra, Dezider Kardoš Involvement of our local artists and cultural operators into the new Strategy for the Development of  Gallery of Ernest Zmeták in Nové Zámky Conservatory in Topoľčany Culture and Creative Industries in Nitra – NK31.  Platform 1-12 in Topoľčany Nitra26.digital #1: Museum of Parallel Culture The constant talk about dialogue as our most In addition to concrete ideas from members  Agrokomplex EXPO  Juraj Malíček, pop-culture guru – project creator & leader  Association of Architects of Nitra  Nitra Regional Museum powerful weapon is not just a load of hot air. of the working groups, we launched an open  The State Archive in Nitra  Slovak Design Centre in Bratislava From the very start we were aware that in order for participation call for projects called NITRO where  Slovak Academy of Science Made in NR #1: Survivors?! it to be organic, realistic and sustainable, the Nitra we received over . We selected The Alley of Unsung Heroes Made in NR #2: (Me)dentity – (EU)dentity 50 proposals  Omar Mirza, art curator – project curator  Anna Šimončičová, cultural manager, culturologist 2026 – Breaking Point programme has to come several of these for our artistic programme, and Back to the People Theatre Wagon – project manager & project leader to life in cooperation with those most experienced their creators will play a crucial part in implement-  Ondrej and Šimon Spišák, directors – project creators  Association Divadelná Nitra – project leader & leaders  Divadlo Pôtoň, Creative Centre Nitra with culture and art in Nitra and its surrounding ing these projects.  Teatro Tatro  The Department of Ethnology and Folkloristics region: local creatives, artistic operators and The Upper Town Funk  Slovak Agricultural Museum cultural institutions. This process has already  The Bishop Office  Divadelný ústav (Theatre Institute of Slovakia)  NOCR – Nitra Tourist Board  Anténa (network of independent culture centres) accomplished one of our goals – for various  Kinoklub Tatra separate individuals and organisations to come Open Pasta Kitchen  EFFETA together and get to know each other through  Diocesan Charity shared conversations and creative sessions.  Pokoj a dobro

The firstopen meetings were organised on 2 and Break the Silence 3 March 2020, where stakeholders from cultural International Theatre Festival Divadelná Nitra ‘35 Polar Bear Festival and creative industries, public sector, civic  Association Divadelná Nitra – project leader  Zobor Polar Bears – project leader society, universities and other relevant institutions  Andrej Bagar Theatre Sauna on Wheels  Karol Spišák Old Theatre  Jakub Samuel, architect – project leader were invited. 76 of them attended 2 days of  Various theatrical/non-theatrical venues in the region Cozytown; Population: Anyone roundtables, brainstormings, focus groups, (Divadelná Nitra_Polycentricity)  Janka Popovicsová, cultural manager – project creator discussions and networking exercises. After Protesta Festival & Conference & project leader  Marián Tesák, festival promoter – project creator &  Juraj Malíček, pop-culture guru – project curator these joint meetings 8 working groups each conference manager  Robert Petrík, pop-culture collector – project curator representing a specific cultural sector emerged. Tribute to Music by Tibor Bartfay  Omar Mirza, art curator – exhibition curator The View From The Cheap Seats  Constantine the Philosopher University  Hidepark – project coordinator  Hidepark  New Theatre These are:  M.M. Šimečka Foundation  Swingless Jazz Ensemble  Performing arts  Nová Cvernovka in Bratislava Nitra26.digital #2: Nitra, dear Nitra_Rework [fjúžn] nitra  Miro Zwiefelhofer, festival dramaturg and theatre  Visual arts  M.M. Šimečka Foundation – project leader critic – project coordinator  Music  Janka Popovicsová, cultural manager – local project  Contemporary Dance Association, Petra Fornayová,  Film, Literature and Pop-Culture coordinator director, choreograph – director, choreograph  Hidepark Made in NR #3 : I-solated  Cultural heritage  Mareena  Platform 1-12 in Topoľčany  Communities Nitra 100h – Musical Marathon  League for Mental Health, Slovakia  Igor Holka, musician – project creator & curator  Architecture, urbanism and environment  Martin Zaujec, festival promoter – project coordinator  Sport Break the Ground These working groups comprised 80 repre- sentatives of the most important stakeholders Gardens of Nitra Nitra26.digital #3: Nitra: Future_climate  Attila Tóth, landscape architect – project creator & leader  Juraj Kusy, designer – project creator & leader and cultural players in Nitra and Nitra Region.  Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty  Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute They included representatives and cultural of Landscape Engineering  Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra  CUKETA  Fridays for Future Slovakia workers from the relevant public cultural  Hidepark Made in NR #4: The River and its People institutions such as Andrej Bagar Theatre, Take Over the Institution!  Jakub Samuel, architect – project creator & leader Karol Spišák Old Theatre, Slovak University  Miro Zwiefelhofer, festival dramaturg and theatre  Woven, architectural platform – project creator & partner critic – project creator & leader Made in NR #5: Imaginarium of Agriculture, Nitra Gallery as well as  Anna Šimončičová, cultural manager and  Anna Fintová, director of Public Art School of J. Rosinský Constantine the Philosopher University and the culturologist – project creator & leader in Nitra, director – leader & director most significant cultural players from the inde-  Andrej Bagar Theatre  Marica Šišková, drama teacher and director – leader  Local art schools and universities and concept pendent scene – International Theatre Festival Fields of Multiculture  JaOnMi CreatureS (Jan Ptačin, Ondrej Zachar, Divadelná Nitra, New Theatre, Nástupište  Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Michal Lošonský) – architects, visual artists, set designers Faculty of Landscape Engineering – curators for multimedia and visual art 1-12 in Topoľčany, Hidepark, Pôtoň Theatre  AgroCircles  Fero Király, composer – curator for music in Bátovce, Teatro Tatro, Flaam Festival and The Self-Preservation Society  Roberta Štepánková, choreograph – garant for many others. The working groups were coordi-  Marián Tesák, festival promoter & fermentation contemporary dance enthusiast – project creator & curator  Public Art School of J. Rosinský in Nitra and other nated by us, the members of Nitra 2026 Team  Michal Molčan, Standart Magazine – coordinator elementary and secondary art schools in Nitra and region (from the independent scene of Nitra ourselves)  Nitra Tourist Board and spent over 150 hours on various sessions,  Local restaurants and farmers Wandering for a Miracle mostly online.  Iva Ditte Jurčová, director – director, dramatist The overall ECoC leitmotif and concept was  Michal Ditte, dramaturg – dramaturg, coordinator 30 subject to an open call for the presentation of  Theatre Potôň in Bátovce (Me)dentity (EU)dentity is a fascinating project Our borders have once more become fixed and delivered through major European residencies, hard through Covid, but our culture can be comparing the experiences during totalitarianism borderless, as we set out in our artistic principles with that of the political and economic backdrop (Q10). As Europe reopens its borders, we need to of the present day. Especially given our experience encourage a move from the more toxic dialogues European of being part of a different type of union. We to what we are calling Healthy Dialogue. Honest, think that the results, especially including the open and thoughtful. Trying to understand rather perspectives of artists from a number of different than trying to put down or ignore. That’s what we countries, will be fascinating. mean by Healthy Dialogue. Caring for each other, and for our cities and regions, too. dimension The Alley of Unsung Heroes hits a current nail firmly on the head.Statues . Our cities are full of The Protesta Festival and Conference will use the great and sometimes not so great figures from the memory of an assassinated young journalist who past. And the pasts of some of the great ones can studied in Nitra to examine the importance of free be pretty murky. The Black Lives Matter movement speech and investigative journalism in the context has forced us to re-evaluate some of the heroes of of modern democracy. It has clear connections with the past, some of whom also did some pretty dark the Arts of Democracy project from Bodø 2024. deeds. For us, it also raises the question about the practice of paying homage to “great figures” from At the other end of the spectrum, the increase in the past. Should we instead be celebrating the personal or community disconnection and loneli- contributions made by health and care workers, ness and its impact on mental health, even radi- people who take us to and from work, find us jobs… calisation is explored in Made in NR #3: I-solated. even put on great cultural events? Examined at a Isolation is also a major issue for migrant European level, the question of how we identify and communities right across Europe. Not feeling celebrate our heroes can help us to find comfort in included is a major barrier to inclusion and so we our identities today. Greatness has many forms. have devised [fjúžn] nitra to be a brilliant conver- sation starter. Using a storytelling model to show- The topic that traditionally connects Nitra’s identity case hidden diversity through shared dialogue we to Europe is our great history – that of the brothers find that we are not so different after all. St. Cyril and Methodius. The two missionaries culturally connected almost half of Europe through Theatre, Nitra’s cultural “big hitter” is the most their vision of enlightenment and cooperation. dialogue-based form of culture. And yet when  Break the Cycle is about Identity Very topical today, isn’t it? Such long gone idols we think of theatre today, is the dialogue quite are celebrated in every corner of Europe... but as healthy as we would like? Many theatres were Pre-Covid, arguably the biggest of European soci- their very core – their ideas – are often lost in the struggling with ageing traditional audiences (in ety’s themes. Do I belong to my family, community, process. What Would the Brothers Say? is a Q19 we show how theatre is of marginal interest city, region, country or to Europe? The answer, project that brings attention to this problem in a to younger people today). Covid has made things Q14 hopefully, is all of the above. We tried to illustrate kind of a quirky way, bringing the Brothers back to even worse with social distancing driving down this in Q8, our long-term vision which sets out life and allowing them to provide a commentary on audience numbers and threatening the viability of Our European themes and cooperation partners a kind of personal manifesto which shows how their legacy. many theatres across Europe. being a better person can also make us be better We described in our introduction how we felt that Europeans. Opening communication channels to  Break the Cycle: Identity Partners International Theatre Festival Divadelná Nitra Nitra was at Breaking Point and our choices were explore our shared past, and being able to imagine Bad Ischl 2024, Plovdiv 2019, Veszprem ‘35 is our big flagship theatre project, but we also to break down or break free. Is Europe at Breaking the future together. 2023, Tartu 2024, Museum of the Communist want to engage in a discussion with a number of Point, too? Hopefully not, but by the time this bid Consumer Timisoara (RO), X-Ray Audio (GB), “theatre strong” ECoC partners. Exploring how we book lands on people’s desks or in their in-boxes, Our take on identity is about using our history to Plesni Dance Theatre (SI), Nová síť (CZ), can create a healthy theatre dialogue to revitalise we hope we will have broken free of the grip which tell exciting stories about our past and learning DunaPart (HU), Trafó (HU), Centrum BUDA (BE), our oldest and possibly most precious art form. We the coronavirus has placed on us… or at least we from them about what connects us rather than Dublin Theatre Festival (IE), Tanec Praha (CZ), see potential partners in Finland, in Tartu and in can see a route to freedom. Freedom from a pan- what tears us apart. That we should be inspired BITEF (RS), Institut umění (CZ), EEPAP (East Bad Ischl (Theatre of Dreams). demic which took us all close to breaking point. and flattered – rather than threatened – by new European Performing Arts Platform), Nowy Teater Emerging from Covid-19 ironically brings to- people who come to join our community and the Warszawa (PL), Farma v jeskyni (CZ), Horácke  Break the Silence: Dialogue Partners gether one major European theme and an increas- vibrancy, colour and diversity that they bring. And divadlo Jihlava (CZ), Slovenian National Theatre Be SpectACTive! (EU), Tampere Theatre Festival ingly frequent topic for European cultural capi- at the same time people who settle here should be – Borštnikovo srečanje (SI), Museum Zitadelle (FI), Bodø 2024, Oulu 2026 Candidate City, tals. The relationship between science and culture. encouraged to take part in and contribute to the Berlin (DE), European Route of Industrial Heritage Screaming Men’s Choir Oulu (FI), Visegrad fund, Science will make the breakthrough using its abili- community they join. IETM – International Network for Contemporary ty to find what makes things work. Culture can help  Break the Silence is about Dialogue Performing Arts, EEPAP – East European us to put things back together through its ability to Projects like Nitra: Lost. Possible. Future. find Performing Arts Platform, Russian Theatre Union, show what things mean. new innovative ways to explore the question of And dialogue had become monologue – or STEREO AKT (HU), Transparency International That ability to find meaningful ways to put identity across an entire year. It has clear potential even “shout-alogue” as people broke into their (INTL), Open Society Foundation (INTL), Dakh things together was a major issue even before to connect with Conversations with the Emperor like-minded “tribes”, trying to shout down any Daughters (UA), Pussy Riot (RU), Martin Borross Covid. It is truly vital now. And we genuinely believe from Bad Ischl 2024 in the way we try to break opposition and refusing to listen to an alternative (HU),The UN Refugee Agency, the designated that our “programme breaks” find new ways to ex- the cycle of over-reverence to the past without point of view. No wonder atomisation and suspi- Finnish ECoC 2026, Circolando (PT), Theatre plore 3 huge and shared themes with a European undermining its importance in shaping our cion are more common than collaboration and Cologne (DE), Cirk La Putyka (CZ), Verdensteatret 32 resonance. Identity, Dialogue, Sustainability. present. 33 togetherness. (NO), Howl Round (US)  Break the Ground is about Sustainability build a future here with ECoCs from many small For those who do visit Nitra old-school style there to medium sized cities like Nitra. Tartu, Bodø, are projects like Nitra: Lost. Possible. Future. People don’t automatically see the culture in Bad Ischl and most of the Slovenian candidates to Which explores history and its ability to shape the agriculture. But we Nitrančans were renowned for name just a few. future in genuinely interesting ways, whilst What our “green fingers”. Our ability to grow anything, Would the Brothers Say? is a thoroughly modern anywhere. Being at one with the land is a special, Self-Preservation Society is about valuing Q15 twist on the story of the Apostles of modern Slavic romantic sense of being. Yet maybe we haven’t local produce and giving economic possibilities history. Cozytown. Population: Anyone is just valued it enough, and in the drive for new factories, to the people who produce them. There are Strategy to attract the broader European public the sort of funky place which a new generation of shopping malls and ever quicker fixes we have let clear links with Bodø’s Feeding Europe, Tartu’s tourists go crazy for because it offers anyone the it slip through our fingers. Growing With Your Food and Bad Ischl’s Planet Getting to Nitra is not really difficult. We are an chance to stop being a tourist and start being part Tavern Lab. hour (less on a light traffic day) from Bratislava of the city, comfortably sitting with Nitrančans in Maybe it isn’t too late. The relationship between Airport. Less than a couple of hours from Vienna. our living room and getting in touch with locals. the city and region can be reset in the same way Empowering young people and artists to refresh Realistically though, it’s not so easy to make And this invests real meaning and emotion in a that the relationship between humans and nature some of the more dusty and solemn approaches the case for visitors to venture beyond those two visit to a city, because just looking at monuments is through the need to address climate change. of our cultural institutions is an issue that many, attractive capitals. The fact is that we lose many does not substitute the culture of encounter and Gardens of Nitra, our sustainability flagship specifically the former socialist cities in Europe of our talented young people to them already, and friendship. project, covers a consistent European theme face. Our Take Over the Institution! (potentially it would be great to steal lots of their tourists in As a major theatrical centre, both in the city of “greening the city” which we see in Estonian connecting to Kaunas’ Centuryans) is a fun project return for the talent we lose to them. But that may and at regional level, Divadelná Nitra will do Tartu, in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and in the Cultural that tackles the pan-European struggle between not happen anytime soon. real justice to our traditions and more. Firstly by Climate Change of Oulu from Finland. the “this is how we have always done it” and the spreading its footprint across the entire region forces that can creatively overthrow the existing In fact, our capital apart, city tourism isn’t really where you will be able to see great theatre and Creating community gardens also brings people order through design thinking and other innovative hitting Slovak cities with the hyper-tourism mon- even take advantage of our undervalued thermal together in a hugely connective process. It can be methods. ster yet. If you google cities like ours, you often find spas. But also because we are keen to raise the especially good in tackling mental health issues, a question like: Is Nitra worth visiting for a couple profile of theatre in partnership with many of our even from people who have been through the most Tackling climate change is not only a European of days? We couldn’t find that question for our fellow theatrically strong ECoCs, so this will have traumatic experiences. but a global common theme and task. If we don’t city… so maybe the thought in google-world is that international as well as regional appeal. Perhaps start acting now, cities and regions all around we are not. The Crazy Tourist, thankfully, must the Sauna on Wheels will encourage our visitors We also want to apply our “cultivation gene” to our Europe may look vastly different in the next few think we are. It lists 15 things to do and see here. to test the respective merits of spa versus sauna cultural audience (see Q19). Growing our own is decades. Our digital project Nitra: Future_climate A traditional tourism model probably won’t work whilst getting a great cultural experience. One that about encouraging a brighter future for creative looks at this future in a visually striking way and massively well for us. And the question is whether will appeal especially to our 2026 Finnish partners people of all ages so they don’t feel the need to proposes few solutions in the process. post-Covid it will still be the “traditional tourism who will also enjoy our excellent (and much leave for new pastures in more exciting places. model” for anyone. So we are trying something a cheaper) beer. Believe us, the grass is greener here. We share the  Break the Ground: Sustainability Partners little different. May is a great time to visit us here and the need to persuade people to stay or to return and BOKU – University of Natural Resources and Nitra 100h – Musical Marathon will see Nitra Life Sciences Vienna – Institute for Landscape Firstly, our cultural strategy, NK31, very clearly sets being Europe’s Music Capital for 100 hours with Architecture (AT), LE:NOTRE Institute (NL), a “golden triangle” of culture, creative industries 200 musicians from all over Europe. Forum for the Development of the Gdańsk and tourism as the core model for our future We don’t hear much about Agricultural Agglomeration (PL), Association of Green and development. Yes, heritage is very much part Tourism, that’s for sure. But why not. Maybe our Flaam Festival 2019 Blue Sesvete (HR), Kaunas 2022, Tartu 2024 of that. But a much more dynamic and modern Break the Ground programme line will be another (Growing With Your Food), Mood for Wood interpretation which makes heritage exciting, truly groundbreaking idea. The point about muse- (PL), Teatr Krzyk (PL), Studio Bürgi Landscape interesting and relevant for people who live here, ums of “industry”, like our Agricultural Museum, Architecture (CH), the designated European rather than an eye roller and interesting only to is that they often are far more fun and informative Green Capital 2026 proper history buffs. Because that’s the key to than you might think. And we have the only one bringing out great stories. Tell them in great ways. in Slovakia. Together with the environmentally In conclusion, we fervently believe that Identity, Visitors love great stories. Not rocket science but friendly ideas in this programme line, we think Dialogue and Sustainability are three of the, if not in its own way this can be groundbreaking for our anyone with an interest to grow their cultivation THE three big European themes of the moment. long-term tourism model. gene and in recalibrating the relationship between They are at the heart of our programme and we Secondly, all of us in Europe and all over the people and the land will be making their way here. want to both learn from and share with Europe in world have learned that if we let go of our habits Finally, in Q17 you will learn more about our their exploration. (flying, driving cars to work, and travelling on Scavenger Hunt. This is a kind of year-long fringe cruise ships), then nature immediately reoccupies event between the lines of the core programme. We also have a deep conviction that culture is a the spaces that we had taken away. Perhaps It aims to connect visitors with local people and phenomenon that can survive – even thrive – in the our relationship towards travelling will change unknown, unusual and special sites – even local most difficult times and unexpected places. Not long-term – to be more gentle to our planet. We homes will be part of the hunt. Making really least in places like Nitra during socialist regimes in might have a lot of visitors from all over the world special moments for more adventurous visitors. the 20th century. Our digital Museum of Parallel that visit us virtually. Through our digital media Culture emphasises the fascinating power of and streaming, but also in virtual reality and So, what can Nitra 2026 offer the international culture to help our spirits lift during the toughest immersive technology that will be increasingly tourist? Well, there are the churches... of times. This pandemic has brought home in a available to more people over the next few years. very stark way the need to strengthen our cultural This can make for a sustainable new Hybrid resilience all over Europe. That challenge is one Tourism Model which brings a part of the visitors we are ready for and want to share with our friends here in person and a part virtually e.g. for projects all over the continent. Using our shared culture to like the Museum of Parallel Culture or Nitra: 34 bring us back together. 35 Future_climate. tions with several of the projects from Bad Ischl 2024, especially between Conversations with the Emperor and What Would The Brothers Say? and also Tavern Labs which can help with ideas for Gardens of Nitra. With Nova Gorica from Slovenia Q16 we recognise that there is real synergy in what Outreach they plan in their “Cultural Improvement District” Links between our cultural programme and much of our planning to revitalise the lower and that of other ECoCs town in Nitra city centre. With our fellow candidates, we know that Like many of our fellow candidates, when we all of our Finnish friends will want to connect started our candidacy journey we had great with our Sauna on Wheels and Break the Ice. plans to meet with and visit many of the recently We would be very excited to have a go at Oulu’s appointed, and some less recently, ECoCs right Polar Bear Pitching, since our Polar Bear Festival across Europe. in Nitra gathers hundreds of enthusiastic cold We had planned to take a van and zoom water swimmers each year. And talking of ice, our around Europe, hoovering up as much knowledge Protesta Festival has obvious connections with as possible and sticking it in the back along with Arctic Bodø’s “Arts of Democracy”. our luggage. We had a northern route taking in We have not had the chance to talk to the Tartu, Kaunas and Wroclaw. And a more “local” colleagues in Chemnitz 2025 yet, but both our cit- route taking in Bad Ischl, Maribor, Veszprém, ies have suffered from right-wing attacks and our Timișoara, Rijeka and Novi Sad. Sadly, it turned Protesta Festival will find good cooperation with into a very different kind of Zoom. their European Workshop for Culture and Democ- We still met with many, and we learned lots. racy, our Museum of Parallel Culture can poten- We also found that our ideas had quite a lot of res- tially partner up with their cluster Eastern State of onance with many of the topics which we thought Mind and for our Gardens of Nitra we would like to were important. So that gave us the confidence to cooperate with their Parade of the Apple Trees. know that we were not crazy in our thinking. Or at We are also keen to share and learn through least we were crazy in the right way… the ECoC capacity building initiative, especially on topics like audience development and sharing We “met” with Tartu, and we are big fans of their our monitoring and evaluation model on a region- ecological approach which we think has a good al basis with Veszprém, Wroclaw and the new connection for our Break the Ground projects and Czech (2028) and Polish (2029) cities when they Nitrančans imagine these activities outdoors in for the polycentric regional development which are appointed. multifunctional, open and greener public spaces, can be inspired by their work with South Estonia. revitalised pedestrian and recreational zones, and Gardens of Nitra will bring a bit of Tartu’s curated We very much hope to have the chance to return cultural spaces outside the city centre. biodiversity to our housing estates. In fact we also to the original zoom plan if we get the chance to take inspiration for that project from Košice 2013 deepen these connections in the final selection Q17 During the 2020 International Theatre Festival and the SPOTS project which was one of their phase. Divadelná Nitra, we built a Graffiti Wall at the biggest successes. Involvement of local population and civil society main square for citizens and visitors to express We did meet in person with our Hungarian their wishes for Nitra 2026. Walkthroughs and twin city, Veszprém 2023, managing to visit them Our outreach dimension was inspired by Lefebvre’s public discussions with local residents on topics during their excellent Street Music Festival which Right to the City idea and Elinor Ostrom’s concept of public spaces were organised during the managed to operate during our mini-break from of common pool resources. At the intersection of Architecture Days. Covid during the summer. We agreed on a number these two, innovative, place-specific, collaborative To include civic society stakeholders, 53 of collaboration ideas. Actually, our Upper Town is and shared approaches to polycentric governance representatives of different communities and very similar to Veszprém’s castle quarter, and we of urban commons emerge. European Capital of marginalised groups were invited to attend both need to animate the areas in a sustainable Culture could be one such approach. an “idea workshop” on 30 June. 15 of those, and respectful way. We also like their project in But for that to happen, the broader public representing organisations working with migrant the Haszkovó housing estate which is similar to along with groups with specific diversity profiles populations, children and youth, drug and what we are planning with Gardens of Nitra and need to be at the table during its preparation as alcohol addictions, people with physical and other ways to energise our disconnected suburbs. well as implementation. That’s why Nitra’s public mental disabilities, Nitra Volunteer Centre, Nitra With Pilsen 2015, as well as sharing ideas on has been deeply involved in our process in a Community Foundation, Roma communities’ the development of good models for cultural cen- number of ways. ombudsman, etc. formed a special ECoC working tres, we are keen to connect around new circus. group “Communities”. We would like to work with new circus in The View For example via a questionnaire survey that was COMIN – Community Centre for Work and From The Cheap Seats. The Kaunas 2022 project conducted between 15 April – 16 May 2020 and Knowledge Mobility in Nitra, Centre for Research Centuryans also provides us with a lot of inspira- reached 1,234 respondents (77% local inhabit- on Ethnicity and Culture conducted 19 individual tion and learning for our Take Over the Institution ants and 23% regular commuters). People told qualitative interviews with representatives of project. us they wanted more of the “culture with a point”, migrant communities, local governments, cultural activities addressing important societal non-governmental organisations, educational Our Healthy Dialogue is aiming at the same kind issues of the day, “which seek to unite several institutions and employers in Nitra, which were of outcome as Kaunas’ “Happiness Initiatives”. generations”. Encouraging continuity, cooperation aimed at examining various topics that may affect 36 And we already mentioned some obvious connec- The annual Polar Bear Festival in Nitra City Park 37 and involvement of more diverse communities. the integration of foreigners in the city. There are, however, less visible examples of marginalisation within the city and the greater region. In 2017, there were 9,651 people with severe disabilities in the Nitra district. Architectural, transport, information and other Q18 barriers that prevent people with special needs from accessing the resources and conveniences, Opportunities for participation of marginalised including the cultural infrastructure available to and disadvantaged groups the non-disabled population are still present in the city. City of parallel lives Initiatives to ensure participation of all of our Many fault lines run through the city. Some were marginalised groups will follow a two-pronged formed over a longer time period, others are just approach. emerging. There are those that are apparent, but some are still invisible to the naked eye. By ensuring that inclusivity is driven deep into Segregation and isolation runs mostly along the heart of all facets of the Nitra 2026 ECoC. ethnic, spatial and socioeconomic borders within Ensuring that there is not just an invitation but an the community. aspiration that we will find opportunities for all of our diverse and disadvantaged communities to Negative attitudes are intensifying towards the take part. Roma population. The majority of the Roma com- Principles of deep participation and inclusion Anti-extremism protest in 2020 munity in Nitra are Vlach Roma, characterised by are a common denominator not only in our con- the preservation of traditional norms, strict commu- cept and artistic vision. They are also embedded We strive to utilise the Nitra 2026 ECoC as an experiences and social integration during their nity hierarchies and social organisation with strong in our approach to evaluation and monitoring and experiment in transforming Nitra into a hu- stay. Out of 23 interviewees, 9 stated that their social control (e.g. Romáňi krísi – Roma courts). the very architecture of our delivery mechanism. man-centred city and our citizens into place-mak- stay in Slovakia did not deepen their understand- This has led to an increase in residential segrega- Based on the concept of PPPP (public-pri- ers and city-shapers. Oldest living Nitrančans in ing of Slovak culture. Most of them cited the tion and gradual emergence of three exclusively vate-people partnerships), we are committed to our project Nitra: Lost., our local historians in lack of communication with Slovaks, difficulty to Roma schools, as non-Roma inhabitants are grad- ensuring representation of disadvantaged and Nitra: Possible., our preschoolers, pupils, teens meet them and socialise as a reason. In their own ually moving away from certain parts of the city. marginalised groups in management structures and university students in Nitra: Future. Some of words, Nitra and its culture is “much more mod- Another community leading a disconnected and decision-making processes that will directly our neighbours will become the art themselves in ern” than they initially thought, with “open-minded life is the rapidly growing migrant community. affect results and impacts. The Alley of Unsung Heroes. people for the most part”, but still with a “mix of Total number of registered migrants currently Our implementation process will be support- We are so committed to a participatory western culture and communism” and “people living in Nitra district is 5,143 (48% of them ed by 25-30 Community Activators (activists, approach we are willing to let go of the reins and let who are not very welcoming” to foreigners. Almost coming from EU/EEA countries and 52% from NGO members, community representatives). students Take Over the Institution! And given our all students agreed that most of their time in non-EU/EEA countries). Most of the non-EU This dynamic and passionate group will serve as strong orientation towards agriculture, even the Slovakia was spent with other foreign students migrants come from Serbia (38.89%) and Ukraine intermediaries and animators for all marginalised farmers will find themselves working onFields of and not with Slovaks. (34.49%), less represented countries being communities, but especially those that are Multiculture and The Self-Preservation Society. This is why our outreach strategy will not only Vietnam, Russia, Georgia, Iraq, China, and India. hardest to reach. This is the who, when and where. The how is cover the local population, but we aim to build The origin of EU migrants is more diverse. described by our audience development strategy direct connections with our European visitors. Most come from Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech By targeting marginalised groups with specific in Q19. Cozytown. Population: Anyone, Sauna on Republic, Poland, United Kingdom and Germany. barriers, through: Wheels and Break The Ice Festival are projects Even among people who come here for work, Also, the open participation call for projects, designed with this goal in mind. two disjointed communities formed. Those from Breaking the physical barriers NITRO, that we launched this year will remain To extend the reach of those projects right the EU countries working mostly on managerial open throughout the ramp up years and into across the city and region we will launch what positions within foreign companies. And migrant In 2019 the City of Nitra and the Union of the Blind 2026. We will also build on existing initiatives. we are calling Scavenger Hunt. Designed to workers from the Eastern European countries and and Visually Impaired of Slovakia developed an We will turn the city’s participatory budgeting bring the local population and visitors together. Balkans, working mostly in industrial parks and Accessibility Strategy: Nitra City for All. Nitra is programme “I’m changing my city” (financing To have a cup of coffee, chat or go sightseeing. lower paid jobs. Housing and integration is a huge committed to ensuring the accessibility of public innovative public benefit activities, revitalisation Nitrančans will submit their locations – project problem, as most of the latter group live in hostels, transport, public spaces and cultural infrastruc- of public spaces and creative ideas of citizens sites, neighbourhood associations’ events, local leading to low living standards, quality of life and ture and to ensuring the availability of information of Nitra) up a notch with an increased financial schools and businesses, even their own homes. spatial and socioeconomic isolation. The majority and communication, especially for the blind allocation. It will be co-managed by the Nitra These interesting and quirky nooks and crannies of migrants are men, but more recently they are and deaf, and those with physical disabilities. Community Foundation and thematically tied of our cities and villages will be opened up during being followed by their families. In addition, it aims to educate and inform the to the Nitra 2026 key goals. A new initiative of gaps between main programme events, to liven public and local government employees on the Nitra’s chief architect and Architects’ Association up and extend the stays of our more adventurous As a result of historical and current shifts in Nitra’s diverse needs of people with disabilities and other Hackathon — participatory workshops bringing visitors. Volunteer students of the Department demographic make-up and landscape, we can disadvantages. together experts and local citizens to find solutions of Translation Studies at the Constantine the almost see parallel universes forming within the This plan extends to organisations operating to inclusive greening and revitalisation of public Philosopher University will act as “cupids” on these same city. And when these collide, tensions rise in the cultural sector. Nitra for All is strongly spaces — will tie in with Nitra 2026 public space “dates” to break any language barriers. For visitors and conflicts happen. This is further exacerbated interlinked with the NK31 cultural strategy. oriented projects. – the more trophies (yes, there will be trophies; it by the fact that there are several extremist Audiovisual documents published on websites is a scavenger hunt after all!) you gather, the more groups in Nitra (in 2018, members of unarmed will be supplemented by text transcripts, subtitles We also conducted interviews with 23 Erasmus free tickets for main events you get. And you also paramilitary groups were invited to patrol the area for the hearing impaired, translation into sign 38 students in 2019 about their intercultural get a piece of Nitra to bring home with you. 39 to protect the residents and their property). language and audio commentary for the visual impaired. Selected documents will also be through a model of horizontal participation built Existing Good Practice available in easy-to-read text. The use of modern around the idea of going beyond the city centre technologies such as the installation of induction and into residential housing estates, industrial We do some good things already. And we want to loops or the installation and expansion of a parks and our most remote rural communities. build on them. For example, a pioneer of audience network of voice and signaling beacons for the This will be delivered through projects such as engagement in the field of performing arts in Nitra blind activated by command transmitters within Back to the People Theatre Wagon, Divadelná Q19 is the Association Divadelná (Theatre) Nitra cultural infrastructure will be developed. Nitra_Polycentricity, The View From The Cheap – main organiser of the International Theatre Seats, and the Gardens of Nitra. They will get Audience development strategy, link to education Festival Divadelná Nitra. From its beginning it Breaking socioeconomic barriers us closer to our neighbours to reach those that and the participation of schools has cooperated with a large number of volunteers are on the periphery – both geographically and (approx. 70-100 volunteers – students of Nitra Mere participation won’t cut it. We aspire to socially. Strong digital components under the Reactivating the Cultivation Gene universities and secondary schools participated bring those long on the side-lines into the fold as nitra26.digital umbrella initiative also open a new at the Festival), demonstrating its ability to co-creators. We even plan to resurrect our most dimension of cultural space and take physical Our audience development strategy is aimed at go beyond the regular theatre audience. The famous Byzantine immigrants in What Would distance out of the equation. the re-activation of Nitra’s inhabitants’ cultiva- Association also organises a wide range of The Brothers Say? tion gene. An engine not only driving agriculture, local and international participatory projects This requires capacity building. To this end, Breaking the literal bars but artistic creation, too. The cultivation gene is and participative productions, for example the in the ramp-up years of 2020-2025, we will utilise a requirement for creation. A need to make things project How to understand Theatre (organised the Horizon 2020 IN-HABIT project – Inclusive During the Covid-19 pandemic, we all got our grow, develop, improve, and benefit people. In since 2008) provides non-formal education for Health and Wellbeing in Small and Medium taste of isolation and its multifaceted impact on Nitra we carry this gene as descendants of former secondary schools and university departments. Sized Cities. The project is implemented by our wellbeing and mental health. But there are agro-generations of European civilisation. For In 2019, 68 students took part in this project. the city, cultural centre Hidepark and Slovak those for whom isolation is just life. most of Nitra’s history, we showed a high level Every year the Association organises an University of Agriculture (in cooperation with local The only Slovak women-only prison is located of the cultivation gene in our region when we international residency for young European institutions, schools, SMEs, NGOs, and social and in Nitra. It houses minimum, medium and maxi- were principally a farming area. But the events critics. Its project A Tulip for You provides health services). mum security female prisoners along with juvenile of the 20th century (industrial revolution and the year-round art and integrational activities for The aim of the project is to improve healthy convicts. The youngest prisoner is 18 years old, internationalisation of agriculture, as well as the blind children across Slovakia. The Association lifestyles, social inclusion of migrants and minor- the oldest 76. With its 354 inmate capacity, it’s system change in 1989) made our cultivation is also a member of the European network ities, social cohesion, relational wellbeing and bursting at the seams. We wouldn’t be true to gene go dormant. Now, we want to reawaken it. Be SpectACTive! and this has led to 25-32 mental health among local inhabitants through our sincerity principle and the Breaking Point To reactivate our relationship with the fertile soil Nitrančans becoming members of a Spectators’ co-design, co-deployment and co-management concept, if we didn’t think about those who experi- that surrounds us. And to build cultural partici- Programme Board which co-selects the festival’s of an 8 km long cycle road along the Nitra River. enced it in the harshest meaning of the word. pation activities that are based on the idea of a programme. We will co-design a multifunctional and reversible We can’t break them out literally, but we “cultural cultivation gene.” That forms the basis of urban mobiliary that will also serve as a space can break their life stories with a Digital Living our audience development strategy. In addition, the Andrej Bagar Theatre and for cultural and sport events. Coupled with small Library project. While pondering the gender as- the Karol Spišák Old Theatre provide some architectural elements, interactive experimental pect of our inclusion strategy, we decided to make Our Main Principles audience development activities mostly gardens, public mini-library, community kitchen the Living Library all about women – convicts, focusing on schools. Nitra´s Gallery and and a DIY café will be built, to deliver public crafts migrants, Roma, single mothers and widows, all  Long-term engagement, not just one-time Museum focus more on the end of school year workshops. Training courses for urban gardeners, who face prejudices and exclusions in society. The contacts and summer holiday activities (mostly creative therapy gardening activities and culinary events Living Library will uncover and fight prejudices  Audience encouragement to becoming workshops). are just a part of the cultural and educational and stereotypes about these groups of women co-creators as well as spectators connection activities that this project will deliver (all aimed at or the life situations they experience. The project with diverse groups as a source of inspiration Cultural Education vulnerable groups). During the title year, results will be a great tool in our arsenal that will bring  Multidisciplinary approach developed between of the project will tie into the [fjúžn] festival, The people closer and teach us to respect human our cultural partners The link between schools and audience develop- Upper Town Funk, the Gardens of Nitra and The dignity and individuality. Digitised content of the ment can be found in Nitra’s cultural education River and its People projects. Living Library will be an input for the Made in NR Our Goals model. A developed network for artistic extra- We also plan to leverage activities of the #3: I-solated residency. Its artistic adaptation will curricular education of Nitra Region covers al- newly established Community Centre for Work be presented at the recreational facilities of the The goals of our audience development most 15,000 children and young people ages 4-25 and Knowledge Mobility in Nitra (COMIN), prison, retirement homes, Roma quarters, etc. scheme are to: at around 30 art schools in the city and region. aimed at supporting social inclusion of foreigners completing the full circle. Cultural education is also offered by the Regional living in Nitra through their participation on pres-  Interlink different groups into one active Educational Centre, leisure centres or commercial ervation and restoration jobs at National Cultural Many of the activities described above are also community of Nitrančan Re:members bringing schools. Yet, despite its strengths, this model is Heritage monuments, cultural, leisure and charity set out in Q19 in the chart which sets out ideas for new impulses for the city and its cultural far from perfect. After finishing education (after events, and education activities oriented towards growing cultural participation as part of the Nitra development age 25) participants are confronted with a sudden cultural heritage, folk crafts, minority culture and 2026 audience development strategy.  Encourage citizens to develop new loss of opportunities for artistic activities (unless intercultural dialogue. relationships towards culture and arts, but also they enroll in expensive art classes) and face other towards community barriers to involvement (careers, family, etc.). Breaking the geographical barriers  Invite citizens to develop a shared dialogue The result is that they become passive users or about cultural heritage, local identity, non-users. The way our cultural amenities are presently contemporary society Our strategy is to develop Nitra as a life-long concentrated is also a significant barrier. Both  Break down barriers that prevent specific culture education platform for professionals and at the city and regional level. In our case this is groups (see also Q18) from engaging with active amateurs. Cooperation with art schools, el- further exacerbated by the rural character of the culture and to become part of the wider ementary and secondary schools to reach groups Nitra Region, leading us to further deepening community of amateurs and non-users will be crucial in our in the atomisation of our communities through  Be prepared with back-up plans for keeping in audience development strategy, as well as for the 40 a growing city:region split. We will address this 41 touch in such cases as a pandemic or similar ECoC 2026 project. Audience Development Research Programme Most of the projects mentioned in the table are Who? Group features Barriers Our reach-out strategies Main projects (2021 – 2031) described in our artistic programme and are marked with a hashtag #audiencedevelopment. Children  Includes a large group of students  Limited regular  Close cooperation with  Nitra: Lost. Possible. and young  Lots of free time contacts with culture schools and universities Future. However, despite the activities we have described, Some further above mentioned projects are: people  Attracted by new ideas and playful and arts  Stimulating mediators  What Would The which largely focus on young people, our biggest (0-25 content  Passive cultural (parents and teachers) Brothers Say? challenge is that we still have lots of gaps. We Open Pasta Kitchen years)  Easy to reach children through experience  Providing extraordinary,  Cozytown. Population: school partnerships  Disinterest from active and creative Anyone therefore plan a major practice-oriented research  Huge potential audience for the parents and families experiences  Gardens of Nitra programme with an international research team. An integration project that offers work for future – we can’t ignore that  Negative experiences  Encouraging and  Take Over the  Interested in cinemas, theatres, with “boring obligatory” developing the need Institution! This long-term project will look into the needs of marginalised groups (homeless people, the deaf, concerts and festivals (19 – 25), cultural visits to create (cultivation various groups, existing barriers and preferences, physically disadvantaged, etc.) These people Only average interest in museums, gene) Extra Audience developing approaches, testing, evaluating and will find employment in a sheltered workshop low interest in galleries Development projects: Art-Breaks (schools) also changing them. This research will not only focused on the production of homemade Nitra  help us design better experiences for our audienc- pasta – slíže. Young  Includes people who went to art  Time limitations  Developing a wider  Nitra: Lost. Possible. es. It will also contain capacity building work- Aimed at: marginalised groups adults and schools during their school years  Irregular schedules, no and more flexible Future. families but then stopped routine programme which can  What Would The shops for audience development for the cultural (25 – 40  Group with existing potential for  Loss of “obligatory” fit with different time Brothers Say? operators and NGOs in Nitra Region. Art-Breaks years) city development contact with art at demands  The Upper Town Funk  Many of them leave (brain drain) schools  Providing more  Cozytown. Population:  Migration out of the region or  Concentration of active and exciting Anyone Cultivating our audiences across Nitra A community project focused on non-users in leaving from regional villages culture in the city centre experiences and  Nitra, Dear Nitra_ elementary and secondary schools and seniors,  Focusing on individual life, no  High fees of artistic cultural offer Rework emphasis on community schools for adults  Combined activities  Gardens of Nitra Of course, we cannot wait for the completion of taking place in schools and senior houses, small  Educated participants that face  Pressure on parents that parents and  The Self-Preservation the research project. We need to move quickly. displays of artistic production will happen accom- new barriers connected with with children children can go to Society The table on the right sets out a comprehensive panied by creative workshops. Special focus will finishing university (looking for jobs together  Fields of Multiculture and starting a career) model of the cross-city groups we want to address be devoted to schools with Roma and Hungarian  High interest in cinemas, concerts, Extra Audience with our audience development strategy and the minorities children and seniors. festivals, average interest in theatre Development projects: key strategies to achieve our goals. It shows how Aimed at: children and young people + disad- and museums, low interest in  Art classes for young galleries and debates adults and children + we will reactivate the cultivation gene to embrace vantaged groups (Roma and Hungarian children (grand) parents all of our communities, including the more mar- and youth) + seniors Senior  Including the elderly in seniors’  More difficult financial  Increased cooperation  Nitra: Lost. Possible. ginalised groups we described in Q18. The chart citizens clubs, retirement homes, also circumstances with senior clubs and Future. also shows the barriers people face and how we Art-Classes (65+) individuals  Isolation of many organisations  Survivors?! plan to break them down.  Lots of free time individuals  Encouraging people  The View From The  Keen to be heard, bearers of the  Physical vulnerability to pass on their skills, Cheap Seats Art-Classes for young adualts, seniors and special barriers Existing or potential “living archives” tradition and fear e.g. of going knowledge, storytelling  I-solated intergenerational classes – children and (grand)  Lack of activities for this group in out at night activities, recording of  Nitra, dear Nitra_ parents. Supplementation of classes that enables the core cultural offer  Decreased mobility memories Rework  High interest in theatre, low interest combined with a  Increased focus on  Gardens of Nitra continuation with non-professional artistic in cinemas, discussions concentration of culture intergenerational  The Self-Preservation education after age 25 at a much reduced cost  Active participation in seniors folk, in the centre exchange Society theatre and singing groups  Strong impacts of  Building more  Fields of Multiculture and 1-day workshops, cooperation with Regional the pandemic on this opportunities for social Educational Centre and Elementary art schools. group – vulnerability to contact, especially for Extra Audience Aimed at: young adults and families + senior Covid-19 people on their own Development projects:  Cross-regional  Art-Breaks (seniors) citizens activities that bring  Art-Classes for seniors people together and children + (grand) We believe that we have built a solid basis for parents the development of a genuinely comprehensive Marginal-  Disadvantaged and marginalised  Social, cultural,  Cooperation with  Open Pasta Kitchen audience development strategy. We are not there ised and people of all ages, especially those physical and mental experts for new ideas  [fjúžn] nitra yet, of course. But a combination of some useful disad- most affected by the pandemic barriers and strategies  I-solated vantaged  Serious barriers to taking part in  Language barriers for  Using contact  Nitra, Dear Nitra_ ideas from our existing partners, together with groups culture Roma, Hungarians, with professional Rework the development of our cultural education model (all ages)  Heterogeneous groups with new minorities organisations and  Gardens of Nitra different needs  Impacts of the initiatives  Fields of Multiculture and the reactivation of our cultivation gene can  Low contacts between these and pandemic on the ability  New and regular make a real difference. other communities in Nitra to integrate events to encourage Extra Audience  Building on existing cultural participation Development projects: workshops for small groups of  Promoting the  Art-Breaks (schools disabled children therapeutic function of with Hungarian and  Seeing this group as a source of art for people who need Roma kids) inspiration on diversity rather than support a “problem”

Extra group  Students of elementary and  Already active and  Increased co-  The Upper Town Funk secondary art schools, amateurs in regular contact with production with  The International Amateurs drama clubs, folk groups and active culture and art professionals, Theatre Festival (audience seniors  Need more contact with local, national and Divadelná Nitra develop-  Big potential within this group international culture international artists  Imaginarium ment to  Additional need for other and artists  More multidisciplinary keep people development and growth,  Insufficient contact projects and connected especially for active kids with professionals opportunities to art)  Large group are students of and multi-genre  Keeping contact with art and culture elementary arts schools cooperation projects art and culture after Active contact with contact Active  Active drama clubs around the city  Risk of new barriers finishing education. Zlaté Moravce blocking participation  Active senior clubs – folk, drama, (ending education and signing and leisure time and crafts busy work and family 42 43 pressures) Nitra and the Nitra Region do not plan to use funds from their annual cultural budget to finance the ECoC project. Some of the cultural institu- tions, however, may choose to contribute a part of their funding towards ECoC projects in which they Management Q21 participate. Plans to use the cultural budget to finance Nitra 2026

Because of the current economic situation impacted by the pandemic, the expected annual growth of the cultural budget in Slovakia (estimat- ed at 0.5% on average) is unpredictable. However, we expect the whole budget for culture to increase Q22 in the years leading to 2026 and beyond for two reasons: The changed funding strategy for culture Intended spending from the overall annual budget within our NK31 cultural strategy and the budgets on culture after 2026 for the new Creative Centre Nitra.

But it’s not just how much we spend. Thanks Year Annual budget for culture Annual budget for culture to NK31 (Nitra’s Cultural Strategy 2021-2031), in the City of Nitra in the City of Nitra our goals and challenges are embedded in a (in euros) (in %) long-term approach by the city government. NK31 brings a new model of financing culture that will 2027 6,082,466 7% increase subsidies for cultural events, festivals and initiatives for new cultural operators. A separate Year Annual budget for culture Annual budget for culture financial scheme will be created to support in the Nitra Region in the Nitra Region entrepreneurship in the creative and cultural (in euros) (in %) industries as well as an additional scheme for 2027 19,225,159 7% temporary interventions in public space. Subsidies The city budget includes investments in sports, for cultural operators will be thematically focused, youth, leisure activities, tourism and promotion. multi-annual, and will also support the creation of Both municipalities, the city and the region, have the art work itself as well as residences. a quality subsidy scheme to support independent cultural operators. The city also has a participatory In addition, a project was approved to the tune Q20 budget to support communities. The Nitra of 16.5 m euros from Eurofunds to support Region self-government’s culture budget includes employment in the creative industries and build City and regional budget for culture the financing of the most important cultural the Creative Centre Nitra (year 2023, extensive institutions in the region and in the City of Nitra cultural infrastructure and services for creative – two galleries, five museums, three theatres, five people in the region). The Creative Centre Nitra libraries, five educational centres, an observatory will be allocated within the city budget at least and a subsidy system for cultural actors from all until 2030 (sustainability period), at the same over the region. time it will also generate profits and ensure quality artistic production.

Year Annual culture budget of the City of Nitra Annual culture budget of the Nitra Region (in euros and in % of the total annual (in euros and in % of the total annual budget budget for Nitra) for Nitra Region) 2016 2,579,987 4% 10,156,096 6.23% Q23 2017 3,223,896 4.89% 11,760,965 5.34%

2018 3,599,742 4.79% 12,364,420 6.62% Income to cover operating expenditure

2019 4,343,141* 5.35% 13,452,340 5.94% Total income to cover From the public From the public From the private From the private operating expenditure sector sector sector sector 2020 3,986,183 4.59% 18,959,146 6.84% (in euros) (in euros) (in %) (in euros) (in %)

29,000,000 27,500,000 95% 1,500,000 5% *includes the additional cost of project documentation for Creative Centre Nitra 44 45 temporary visitors, but for potential new citizens of Nitra in the future. Currently, many companies are not aware that this prosperous ecosystem of capability can positively affect their businesses and their ability to attract skilled labour. And we Q24 Q26 want to change that.

Income from the public sector to cover operating expenditure Fundraising from private sponsors and sponsor involvement Areas of private sponsors we are focusing on:

In euros In % Our plan is to raise a 1.5 m euros financial contri- 1. The Big Hitters bution from the private sector. Given the scope of Our potential partners include major employers National Government 16,300,000 59% the project, it may not sound too ambitious but the based in the region from different fields: food figure is realistic due to the fact that the tradition industry (such as Heineken, Agro Tami), electri- City of Nitra 5,000,000 18% of private sponsorship for the cultural sector in cal engineering industry (for example Foxconn), Nitra Region 5,000,000 18% Slovakia is still in its infancy. A sponsorship law automotive (Jaguar Land Rover). We already that would allow companies to declare sponsorship gained support from three major progressive EU (with exception of the Melina Mercouri Prize) 1,200,000 5% contributions as expenses doesn’t exist in Slovakia, companies with strong ties to the region – Inovato, thus they can only invest in the culture and arts sec- the Slovak leader in innovative solutions, A.EN, an Total 27,500,000 100% tor in the form of a marketing investment. Therefore international energy corporation aimed at renew- most of the co-operations between business and able energy solutions and batteries, and Arriva, culture are perceived as marketing operations. a multinational transport company that operates According to the statement of the Ministry of national government on our needs, the size of The current Minister of Culture has indicat- buses in the Nitra Region and bike-sharing in Nitra Culture in the media, the input for ECoC Slovakia our city and region and examples of funding from ed an intention to change this. But our aim is to City. 2026 from EU funds will be 40 m euros. It is other ECoC cities of similar size and population encourage a faster change to this current situation not clearly defined how much of this budget is numbers. and to explore new models (for us anyway) in devel- 2. The Local Heroes for operational expenditure and how much for In the new programming period, there will be oping relationships between profit and non-profit During the ongoing pandemic, the local culture capital expenditure. We assume that a significant several million euros in the EU allocated to culture organisations and culture. sector and local businesses shared similar prob- element of this is funding allocated to cultural and the creative industries to mitigate the impacts lems. That’s why we feel it is even more urgent infrastructure. of Covid-19 on this sector for Slovakia. We are not Simply put – we need to change the strictly finan- to start building a lasting mutual relationship The Government of the Slovak Republic reflecting these expectations in this table. The EU cial relationship between business and culture of between these two. Apart from financial support, has not yet made an official decision on how funding we indicate here reflects the estimated today to a synergic value-based relationship of we see a lot of opportunities in their in-kind support much it intends to allocate to ECoC 2026. We influx of funds from EU programmes for the Nitra tomorrow. by providing spaces for events, accommodation, have therefore based the contribution of the 2026 cultural and artistic programme. advertising or product merchandise or by becom- Our fundraising strategy is built around the same ing co-creators of our artistic programme. These trio of themes as in our artistic strategy: partners include various stores, hotels, restaurants, farmers and small goods producers.  Identity From February 2021, we intend to start We intend to build Nitra 2026 as THE identity a #wearenitra2026 campaign with both major brand of the region in the forthcoming years. We and smaller enterprises. It will kick-off with talks firmly believe that local employers are an important with business owners about the main values of part of our local identity and their financial or in- our project and a thorough look for intersections kind support of the ECoC project is the best way to with their own values and long-term plans. We strengthen this element of their brand. don’t want local businesses to feel obligated to In July 2020, the president of Nitra Self-Governing collaborate on the project – only when our values Region and the Mayor of Nitra City signed a  Dialogue are shared can our collaboration be organic and Memorandum on Cooperation and Support for mutually beneficial. the candidacy with the promise of contributing Banners and product branding will always be a must towards funding. The region will decide about – but we intend to go much further. Our goal is to 3. Everyone as a Partner Q25 funding no later than summer 2021. Many local build synergic partnerships between culture and the Crowdfunding is another slowly emerging fund- governments from the region support Nitra’s joint business sector. Many of our programme activities raising platform in Slovakia. Its very core is embed- candidacy. Their financial contribution towards – such as [fjúžn] nitra, Fields of Multiculture or ded in our participative approach to the Nitra 2026 Financial commitments to cover operating expenditure operating expenditures will be decided in the Back to the People Theatre Wagon – will directly project. Therefore, our crowdfunding strategy is second application stage based on their number involve them as cultural co-creators. not only aimed at specific financial goals but also In May 2020, Nitra City Council approved Nitra’s of inhabitants and scope of their involvement We also intend to build upon the employee at in-kind support from local citizens. We believe candidacy for the European Capital of Culture in the project. volunteering trend emerging in Slovakia, thus that in order to ensure sustainability of the projects 2026. In November 2020, Nitra City Council The allocation of the national budget for involving major venture employees in the imple- such as Gardens of Nitra or Cozytown, their users approved the city’s self-financing proposal for operational expenditure and capital expenditure mentation of the artistic programme. and operators must become both their co-creators the city budget of 5 m euros for ECoC 2026. is not as yet clearly defined and decided on. as well as co-investors. Everyone from the commu- Under current legislation, the city must approve The latest publicised information by the Ministry  Sustainability nities that these projects will be built in will have the budget for the following year each year (not of Culture refers to 40 m euros to be allocated an opportunity to contribute finances, materials or several years in advance), so this ECoC budget towards the 2026 ECoC in Slovakia. Our Through their participation in ECoC, businesses specific skills to their implementation. The ap- decision needs to be approved again each year by assumption is that this mostly covers capital will help make Nitra a better and more sustain- proach will also result in a more equitable distribu- 46 the City Council. expenditure. 47 able social and cultural environment not only for tion and co-ownership of the benefits generated. The city and the region are ready to apply for the renewal of additional cultural infrastructure through Norwegian funds and cross-border cooperation Interreg. Q27 Q30 At the heart of all our projects is sustainability with an emphasis on ecology, communities and Breakdown of operating expenditure Fundraising strategy for Union funds to cover accessibility for all, so we will be able to draw capital expenditure funding from European funds for blue infrastruc- In euros In % ture and the revitalisation of brownfields. The City of Nitra will draw Eurofunds for the Programme expenditure (including Monitoring & Evaluation) 17,400,000 60% construction of the Creative Centre Nitra in The city has successfully drawn funds for the the amount of 10 m euros. The project is a construction of new bike paths and green infra- Promotion and marketing 5,220,000 18% reconstruction of the former Palace Cinema in the structure in the city, and is a leader in the field of Wages, overheads and administration 6,380,000 22% city centre into a multifunctional cultural space. smart cities and innovations in public space, in the The Creative Centre also includes an extensive development of sustainable and eco-mobility. Total 29,000,000 100% reconstruction of four former military barracks on Martinský Hill. In the new programming period, the Nitra Region Self-Government is responsible for mapping the Currently, most of the capital expenditure planned needs in the region and for the effective redistri- and indicated in the table in Q28 is based on EU bution of EU funds. Thanks to the connection with Structural Funds which have been announced the regional municipalities in the ECoC candidacy, to be redistributed by the Slovak government to all cities in the region are coordinated and have Q28+Q29 whichever city is designated as ECoC 2026. clearly defined priority areas and synergies. Income from the public sector for capital expenditure Financial commitments for capital expenditure

Income from the public sector to cover capital expenditure In euros In %

National Government 9,000,000* 14% City 5,000,000* 8% Q31 Region 5,000,000* 8% Spending on new cultural infrastructure EU (with exception of the Melina Mercouri Prize) 44,000,000 70% to be used for Nitra 2026 Palace Cinema, a part of the planned Creative Centre Nitra Total 63,000,000 100% Nitra has several old cinemas, industrial buildings, *Including co-financing towards EU funds monuments that are falling into disrepair. The city has decent cultural infrastructure, although there is still a high demand for quality and modern The table includes seven major infrastructural The decision on the amount of the capital budget cultural spaces in Nitra. We see the potential in projects which are directly or indirectly connected for ECoC at the national level is not yet confirmed, the reconstruction of dilapidated buildings in the to the ECoC year and artistic programme: but the Minister of Culture has announced 40 m city centre rather than building new structures. euros for ECoC in the new programming period We need to revitalise existing buildings, connect  Creative Centre Nitra in Palace Cinema and in 2021-2027 from European Structural Funds. them with public space, give them an entertaining the barracks on Martinský Hill We assume that these funds should cover capital and relaxing function (climbing wall on the  Renovation and reconstruction of the old City expenditures. theatre), a modern look (public art) and also fight Hall (the seat of the regional museum) climate change (green roofs, water retention  Revitalisation and expansion of the pedestrian The city’s infrastructure projects are included measures). Our aims are quality public spaces, zone with a connection to Svätopluk square in the current City Action Plan (2020-2021) community gardens in housing estates and (variable green structure connecting the approved by the City Council in October 2020, the Nitra river banks as a place of meeting and theatre and the Old City Hall) in the City’s and Region’s Economic and Social dialogue and building sustainable social points for  Imaginarium Black Box at the J. Rosinský Development Plan and in other strategic people with disabilities within the existing infra- Elementary art school documents. Most of the infrastructure projects structure. The restructuring of Svätopluk Square  Projects Living River, Gardens of Nitra, are also allocated in the city budget for 2021 will be subject to an international architecture fruit orchards, alleys with a partial amount for revitalisation and competition with an emphasis on green solutions.  Infrastructure for communities and people with reconstruction. Other infrastructure projects will Estimated expenditure is 4 m euros. Furthermore, disabilities (Lipa, Sandokan, Tržnica) be funded by EU funds to support the restoration Imaginarium Black Box at J. Rosinský Elementary  One regional infrastructure project focused of monuments, the development of the creative art school might require a new building due on the revitalisation of mills and rivers with industries and the revitalisation of greenery and to poor statics of the existing one. Estimated 48 connection to bicycle tours climate change mitigation measures. 49 expenditure is 1 m euros. Administrative Director and Communications Supervisory Board Director to ensure successful project preparation and implementation. The creative team under the Programme CEO Administrative Director Director prepares the artistic dimension of the Programme Line Manager Q32 ECoC project, evaluates project proposals based Officer Sustainability Monitoring Evaluation and Volunteers HR and Sponsorship Faundraising and and Financing Administration on the established criteria, discusses projects ProgrammeDirector Programme Line Planned governance and delivery structure with their authors, compiles and develops the Manager content of the project. This process is aided by the The participatory atmosphere of preparing the Advisory Board, a committee of eminent pro- Programme Line application and the spirit of the Breaking Point fessionals that has no decision-making, but only Manager concept inspired us to break away from the advisory capacity, from different fields of culture traditional hierarchical top-down approach to and arts, both Slovak and international. Local culture governance typical for Slovakia. Our aim in terms Horizontal support activities are managed & art scene of governance structure is to ensure the partici- by the Communications Director, responsible for pation of all stakeholders, from institutions that development and implementation of the market- provide funding to the marginalised groups we ing strategy and management of ECoC-related identified, from local actors as well as those on the campaigns. Vertical processes are governed by periphery of our region. Including all those who the Administrative Director. Since sustainability helped us prepare this application. plays a pivotal role in our concept, within the Universities Comunities and students On the other hand, we need to ensure evaluation and monitoring team the specific role & NitroLabs Community efficiency, effectiveness and accountability as of ensuring environmental, social, economic and Co-researchers well as high quality of the artistic programme cultural sustainability will be assigned to the Students, Expats, Village Advisory Board Advisory and professionalism in the process of its imple- Sustainability Officer. S*he will be responsible radios, Sports clubs mentation. To tie in these two priorities and the for the evaluation of programmes, projects and Community top-down and bottom-up processes, we propose events as well as processes within the delivery Activators to base the ECoC project delivery mechanism on structures in terms of their impact on key sus- Marketing our take of the three-dimensional biomatrix model tainability dimensions, governance issues and of organisational structure. compliance with ethics standards. This dynamic approach allows for more open At the heart of Nitra 2026 will be our Outreach Officer communication, collaboration, skills sharing, Communities and NitroLabs. During the bidding greater employee motivation and professional phase, networks of actors representing the development, resulting in maximisation of cultural and creative industries, local and regional Director resource use. It also builds the processes around administration, universities, innovation sector

Comunications International PR the programme, events and activities, rather than and experts, activists and disadvantaged groups organisational units. started to emerge. These living labs, although in their infancy, As a delivery structure for the Nitra 2026 ECoC, informal and with fuzzy borders have a great PR in 2021, an Association will be established as a potential, which we aim to tap into. The proposed multistakeholder non-governmental organisation. ECoC delivery structure will maintain and further It will be headed by a CEO accountable to the develop ties to these communities. To ensure Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board will the sustainability of our user-centric approach, be composed of representatives of all financial marketing and HR/volunteers departments will stakeholders of Nitra 2026 (Nitra City, Nitra make use of Community Activators embedded Self-Governing Region, central government, other in local and regional communities to strengthen cities and municipalities as partners), but will user engagement and utilise advantages of partic- also include representatives of civil society like ipatory marketing approaches. universities, businesses and other stakeholders. Similarly, the team responsible for eval- No sector (public, private or non-profit) will have uation and monitoring and the Sustainability more than 50% of the vote. Potential crossovers Officer will closely cooperate with universities, between supervisory board and organisers of research centres and labs. Also with Community events will not constitute a conflict of interest Co-researchers – a group of local observers with because its supervisory domain will not cover the boots on the ground, that will provide links to local artistic programme. communities for a more participative evaluation The Programme Director is independent and and monitoring process. The Outreach Officer Q33 responsible for the overall quality of the artistic will be the main point of contact between the and cultural programme in accordance with the Association and our communities. Main strengths and weaknesses and plans high standards of the ECoC. S*he works within And if you want to know why village radios to overcome weaknesses the general financial, administrative and logistical and sports clubs of all things make an appearance framework set up and safeguarded by the CEO in our delivery structure, please read our Q34. The first law of ecology states that everything we kept in mind that we have to stack the dominos and approved by the Supervisory Board, but acts is connected to everything else. This applies to in such a way that when we push the first row, they conceptually independently. Organising and nature, time travel, but also to the causally inter- all fall in the direction we need them to. That is coordinating the work of the creative team and twined strengths and weaknesses of our project. why most of the “fixes” are already built in within 50 teams of experts, working closely with the CEO, 51 During the entire application preparation process our concept and its delivery. We’ve got… …some aces up our sleeves… …a few bad cards possibly dealt out... …but also ways of winning the Wheels, What Would the Brothers Say, Gardens game nonetheless. of Nitra, Cozytown. Population: Anyone or Back to the People Theatre Wagon. They offer space for Our concept is bold, dealing with pressing The quirk may be off-putting to more ...we will do it with respect. The key is encounter, chats and hands-on participation. contemporary issues both on local and conservative Nitrančans and the edge could the right combination of traditional and European level in a quirky and edgy way. cut too deep and open old wounds. Although innovative approaches that feels organic there’s no way to avoid breaking some eggs and involves local artists and cultural Q34 Culture Fans to make this particular omelette... operators. Our hockey and football fans are known as the Outline of our intended marketing and communication most fervent in Slovakia. Can we channel this The entire Nitra 2026 concept is designed The continuing legacy of the totalitarian Strong tradition of performing arts, espe- as an “instrument” that will stir the regime results in a weak tradition of public cially theatre, provides the ideal setting for strategy Nitra 2026 energy and enthusiasm into arts and culture? melting pot that is our city and region. debate and citizen participation. The the healthy dialogue we seek to establish. We sure think so. We intend to develop strong Rich in diversity of local cultures with new potential rise of extremism poses a threat More than half of Nitra’s population attends communities from different backgrounds to values of a multicultural society as the theatre performances at least once a year. Breaking Bad was huge on Netflix. Breaking relationships with local sports clubs to cooperate and origins forming. basis of European identity. Efforts to ensure This is how we open the line of communica- Point is huge in Nitra. There was no academic on each other’s marketing campaigns and brand inclusion and equal access of the most tion even with the most reluctant of us, when research about this. We just asked around. In building. We will create a series of events: one vulnerable groups are disjointed and often dealing with the more unpopular topics of don’t take intersectionality into account. discrimination, inclusion and our identity. our working groups of over 80 cultural operators, called Culture Fans that will bring music perfor- creatives and supporters, Breaking Point was mances to the sport pitches at half-times and a We are witnessing a growth in interesting Their involvement in international projects Residencies and co-productions under our an immediate hit that everyone agreed to. We smaller one called Queue Culture that will bring and innovative grass-roots initiatives both and connection to the European cultural Made in NR initiative are the best tools in also asked friends and families, our parents buskers, drummers and stand-up comedians to in the city and across the region, developed scene is weak, leading to relatively our arsenal to elevate the local human and by the cultural, art and civic community. low quality of artistic production in the institutional capital to eye-level with current and grandparents, some of the children and people waiting outside the stadiums. Tackling almost all issues that the Nitra international context. trends in culture and the arts. teenagers we know, and people where we buy our 2026 concept is built around. cigarettes or groceries from. They all said similar Nitra 2026 Open Office things: Nitra has always been at a Breaking Point Our Nitra 2026 office will be located right in the The most valuable assets on our capacity The dreaded brain drain we are experiencing Our audience development strategy, in building quests are the networks of high extends to creatives and professionals combination with capacity building strategy geographically or historically – but now it is at a heart of the city. An open space serving as an office quality primary and secondary educational from the cultural and creative industries centred around the Creative Centre Nitra, great Breaking Point to make a decision what it for the Nitra 2026 team, an information point to pro- institutions in cultural and artistic fields as (e.g. graphic design, digital media and will reawaken the “cultivation gene” in its wants to be in the next decades. A first-grader we mote the Nitra 2026 project and local culture, and well as our two universities. architecture). Educational institutions and most promising “carriers.” The multidiscipli- their programmes are not sufficiently linked nary initiatives we propose are built around asked, spontaneously pointed to her tooth and as a small cultural venue for evening events such to cultural institutions and their offer. synergic relationships across CCI and with said: “That’s at a breaking point too. But mum as open-mics, talks, debates or literature readings. other sectors. says, the new tooth that is coming will stay all my life.” There you go. Our artistic vision and strat- Sincerity Our institutional landscape is rich in a Most of the cultural infrastructure in the We believe that our inclusive delivery mech- variety of cultural actors and operators in city and the region is “owned” by the Nitra anism inspired by community-led local de- egy are about exactly this story. The Breaking cultural, creative industries and cultural Self-Governing Region. Uneven division of velopment approach, providing a seat at the Point atmosphere will condense more and more Honesty and authenticity in the way we commu- heritage across the city and the region. competencies between local and regional table for all stakeholders is the best ground in the ramp-up years towards 2026, will break nicate make us and our dialogue partners break self-government in the field of culture to build new collaborative and transparent creates barriers for cooperation. relationships across jurisdictions. (vicious) cycles, break silences, will break ground free, make us reflective, make us critical thinkers. and break through. And will make us break into We don’t want followers, who “believe“ in artifi- Our candidacy gained unprecedented Political support is a tricky thing. Nitra It will also produce positive side-effects. By a joyful celebration of our Breaking Point 2026 cially hyped content that is just hot air. We want political support. The region stands behind 2026 is more of a process than a project including different public administration with visitors and participants from everywhere. active partners who enjoy the honest product that our bid, including all of the urban centres. and our endeavours will have to weather levels in our Supervisory Board, we decrease This is a strong argument to use when through a couple of election cycles that the risk of undue or one-sided political we create together – and speak about it on any leveraging support from the higher levels. could endanger the support we gathered pressure. Per our polycentricity principle, The principles that we apply to our artistic vision channel they choose. so far. Expanding the project to cover the the inclusion of neighbourhoods and munic- region will surely bring challenges in terms ipalities that are usually on the sidelines will and strategy are applied to our communication of effective coordination. force the bigger players to learn to “play well strategy, too: participation, sincerity, openness, BTS Mondays with others.” synthesis, ubiquity, and edginess. Here is how. Faces and actions usually work better and are more relatable than slogans and infographics. The Nitra Region has a unique genius loci A downside of the rural nature of our region ...Nitra City also plans to provide space for That’s why from March 2021 we will start – it’s a panorama combining urban and is the spatial dispersion and remoteness developing a more diversified offer (e.g. Participation BTS rural landscape, diverse cultural milieus, of some of the venues that will host events. camping and glamping, ApiHouses, hotels Mondays – a tradition, in which each Monday a intriguing history and specific agricultural Due to lower internationalisation level, the for dogs). The NK31 strategy also envisages Communication is all about dialogue. It needs different Nitra 2026 collaborator will take over our heritage. Geographical location is a huge language barrier is still present. As a city a training programme for entrepreneurs and asset. Although just a short drive away from on the smaller side, Nitra itself has limited workers in tourism to improve commu- more than a sender and a recipient. It needs social media feed. From members of Nitra 2026 four international airports, it still retains a accommodation capacity. Capacities of the nication skills. Transport infrastructure healthy dialogue and feedback, user generated team, our Mayor and cultural partners through vol- specific cosy atmosphere, with seemingly region and the proximity of Bratislava should connecting the venues is well developed, content at eye-level. If we say we want to make our unteers and sound technicians to artists and mem- untouched nooks and crannies open for solve that particular issue, but... but the Nitra 2026 project will also launch exploration. dedicated shuttle buses. audience the co-creators of the projects, we also bers of our partner ECoC Finnish team, the follow- need to empower everyone to communicate them. ers will get a chance to see the ECoC process from This decentralisation of the cultural offer, What might put a wrench specifically in Pandemic-proofing our project will not be Only if Nitra 2026 cares about what people have to behind the scenes in action week by week. projects and interventions testifies to our this aspect of our project is what will surely an easy feat. nitra26.digital activities will be say, will people care for what Nitra 2026 has to say. commitment to participatory approach. Our become the main key word of 2020 – Cov- realised in the virtual world regardless of the concept will create an atmosphere that will id-19 pandemic. It already proved itself as situation. But by looking at “ones and zeros” Beyond Image blur the breaking points between producer a formidable archnemesis to the cultural as underused potential as building blocks Co-creation and word-of-mouth marketing On the national level, Nitra has to overcome some and consumer, visitor and local, us and sector. We might defeat this particular foe, of an entirely new dimension of cultural Our challenge is to convince some locals that this bad reputation due to right-wing attacks as well them. It generates increased engagement, but it has plenty of close and distant “cous- infrastructure, we will create contingencies more immersive experiences, dialogue, and ins” that might come-a-knocking and wreak for all projects during the preparation phase European action is theirs and it’s not being de- as the image of having little attraction beyond the even long-term relationships. similar havoc. in case a similar situation occurs. cided behind closed doors or far away from them. theatre and the Agrokomplex EXPO. We want to be With our projects and our audience development honest about this and show the full picture – that With initiatives of this magnitude, there’s always a threat that we will end up building “cathedrals in the desert” – massive projects or facilities programme, we want to channel the energy of the there is more beyond the image. Nitra on Tour built to make the most of the subsidies but that have no reason to exist without them. We are set to make sure that Nitra 2026 doesn’t become a one hit wonder. And our project was certainly not built on sand but rather on firm ground – the needs, aspirations and ideas of more than 80 Nitrančans’ strong local patriotism into co-cre- will be a series of one-day festivals in every Slovak stakeholders who were part of the process. As proof, we can submit the fact that some of our flagship projects (e.g. residencies and audience ation and the participation into word-of-mouth regional capital as a Road Show to promote Nitra’s development initiatives, Gardens of Nitra, etc.) have already found their way into the NK31 cultural strategy, regardless of being designated as the European Capital of Culture. Instead of building new monumental facilities that will be empty come 2027, we want to reach as many marketing. neighbourhoods and communities as possible and with them create new cultural spaces that will be lived in and built upon long after the end of At the regional and city level, there are pro- Breaking Point Narrative and Projects the title year. jects that are “communication platforms” as much Currently, the nature sought after by tourists is 52 53 as cultural and artistic content like Sauna on mountains and forests. But agriculture can be an immersive nature experience, too. We need Back to Nitra Ubiquity Up-To-The-Minute to communicate the cool side of fields, gardens, Our transit station problem has a silver lining – Unquestionably, marketing trends in 2026 will be villages, mills, creeks, and agricultural heritage potential marketers all over Slovakia and Europe. Culture is everywhere. Sometimes we need some dramatically different from those of today. That’s through our programme. Nitrančans or people who studied here live all over “translation” to see it. Communication should be a why we intend to stay up-to-date on any relevant Europe, some of them are excitedly contributing language that brings things closer, puts them into channels that emerge or are slowly emerging but Sustainable Physical Marketing to this bid. They have strong emotional connec- perspective, creates a link. Once we have our eyes are not widely used in culture and arts sector: As bearers of the cultivation gene, we aim to build tions to Nitra and spheres of influence of various opened to it, we suddenly see it everywhere. And the the Nitra 2026 brand as the Slovak leader of sus- strengths wherever they live. We invite them to web makes it possible to make our Nitra 2026 an  Social media platforms, such as TikTok, tainable marketing. Reusing and upcycling will be spread the word about it to all corners of Europe. experience literally everywhere at once in real-time. Twitch, Caffeine or Reels woven into each layer of the physical marketing. And hopefully, when they come back for Nitra  AI chatbots that will help anyone interested in An appointed Chief Sustainability Officer will work 2026, they won’t come alone! VR.NR Nitra 2026 24/7 closely with the Nitra 2026 marketing team and Digital communication is indeed ubiquitous. It is  Data-driven mechanisms that will be able to suppliers to minimise the physical marketing eco- Synthesis hard to avoid and not even easy to put into a single use data about audience preferences to offer logical footprint. Imagine banners upcycled into category anymore. But there is a whole virtual them suggestions of other Nitra 2026 events merch bags, flyers into postcards and art pieces, Our communication aims at creating alliances be- world becoming readily available that goes way and activities that would interest them flags into t-shirts, plants and seeds as merch or tween seemingly disconnected areas and people. beyond. With emotional intensity unimaginable  Augmented reality that can be used for site-specific out-of-home green media instead of Involving sponsors and businesses in cultural ac- in traditional media, we believe that virtual reality artistic purposes (such as in The Alley of traditional billboards. The Fields of Multiculture tivities, fundraising (#wearenitra2026 campaign) will emerge as a winner amongst all the interactive Unsung Heroes or Nitra: Lost) or as a city artistic project is the best example of this, serving and as activators of their employees, connecting digital marketing tools. That’s why we intend to navigation system as a massive outdoor invitation to Nitra 2026 art and science, culture and agriculture is a com- create the VR.NR (Virtual Reality Nitra) – an ini- visible from afar. munication task first. As a result, citizens (whether tiative to help us explore ways of promoting Nitra Marketing strategies, campaigns and from here, students in transit or migrant workers), 2026 in a revolutionary media and to let people all communication channels are all set up to attract Openness visitors and the non-users of cultural offers can over the world experience the Breaking Point. audiences. To create a buzz. But at the end of the find an easy and fun access point as our interdisci- day, it’s the product that matters most. Great Nitra 2026 does not belong to us Nitrančans. It plinary communication breaks open the barriers of Edginess stories, causes, and values won’t buy someone belongs to all of us in Europe. We are borrowing “artistic” or “cultural” to blend it with “my city”, “my into a brand that doesn’t deliver. People expect this tool for a while to help us break through project”, “my connection”. Challenging our traditional perception of com- brands to respond to their needs, contribute and break free. Our communication opens our munication and marketing will break ground to local and international communities, stand specific challenges and stories towards those Old School over the next years. Not only in Nitra, that’s for for a cause, and support great ideas. That’s that are out there. Connecting, sharing, bonding, We are not afraid of using old-school methods. We sure. Communication is power. It can even topple why it’s our responsibility to deliver Nitra 2026 learning. Contributing diversity-pixels to the larger love them ourselves... whether it is making preserves election results – or almost. Edginess lies beyond as promised. As a meaningful, engaging and European picture. or reading the print City Hall News (40,000 copies being the loudest. Cutting-edge communication authentic experience with a lasting impact. If we each month), or engaging with TV, radio, and me- needs cutting-through participation. And that is a manage to do that, it will always promote itself European Themes dia outlets. Not everyone has to be addicted to their cycle we won’t break. best on its own. There’s no time for self-delusion – Nitra is virtually smartphones to get a good dosage of Nitra 2026. unknown to international visitors. The ECoC is an ideal opportunity to tell the story of Breaking Point Tailored Media Content to Europe. Our European themes – identity, dia- The age of generic press releases is over. People  Media outputs related to the ECoC – logo or logue, sustainability – will show our European values look for specific media content that relates to verbal (TV, radio, periodicals) and help us share our culture(s) as a contribution them personally through its unique tone of voice.  Orally while opening individual programmes to the cultural diversity of Europe. Mainly through... That’s why we want to build long-term relation- ships and partnerships with the media at the local The unexpected way… Digital Communication Channels and national level. Along with the Department Q35  Using our website nitra2026.eu as a starting of Journalism and the Department of Marketing What would Nitra look like without EU member- point – currently in Slovak, English, Hungarian Communication at University of Constantine the Highlighting the European of Culture as an action of the ship? A day-long guerrilla event will demonstrate and Roma language – to approach diverse Philosopher, we plan to develop a special intern- European Union just that. During one Saturday, specifically May 9, audiences. Facebook and Instagram already ship programme which will assign students to our 2026 – a (Without) Europe Day, all of infrastruc- launched, YouTube soon to come. key Slovak media partners for which they will tailor Since our priority within the project’s commu- ture, buildings, elements or services that have been  nitra2026.digital – artistic projects that will the content about Nitra 2026. nication strategy is not only to inform citizens built with EU contribution will be either blocked, both offer full-fledged digital experiences and and visitors about the financial support of the closed or covered with tarps. We will barricade promote Nitra 2026 live activities. Village Radio 26 European Union, but also to chip at the growing roads, cordon off children’s playgrounds, shut  Nitra 2026 Weekly – a weekly podcast related to Our secret marketing weapon in the region is a Euroscepticism in our society, we opted for a two down public transport. For essential services, video Nitra 2026 and our themes Identity, Dialogue, peculiar remnant of the past – radio broadcast pronged approach: mapping will be used to project their pre-EU state Sustainability – available in different languages. in the public realm in every single village. Used for an immersive experience of what our lives might  Harnessing existing digital infrastructure and to announce local news (from football results to The traditional way… have been like without the “unity.” shaping marketing cooperation – such as web- discounts in the groceries) or to play retro songs, In order to avert the potential counterproduc- sites and marketing/tourism activities of the city it is a soundtrack of many of our memories of the  We will invite representatives of other ECoC tive effect of shutting everything down, a rich cul- (nitra.sk), region (unsk.sk), and Nitra Tourist times helping our grandparents in their gardens (partner cities, ECoC 2025, 2027, Finland tural programme will fill the day, including events Board (visitnitra.eu), participating operators as kids… But still today, it is the most effective 2026) + representatives of EU institutions to aimed at promoting the values and current topics (Nitra Gallery, Andrej Bagar Theatre, Chambers communication tool for small villages to inform the opening ceremony of the EU through conferences, workshops and of Commerce etc.), National Travel Agency their oldest citizens. By creating special content  Visual identity – the EU logo will be placed on lectures. We will invite representatives of EU insti- Slovakia.travel as well as their social media. to be broadcast through this network, we can all communication materials and platforms tutions and ECoC projects from sister cities to take  Marketing collaborations with twin cities and spread the word of Nitra 2026 to places usually online and physical (printed advertising, part in the programme, a part of which will take 54 other ECoCs forgotten and omitted. 55 merchandise...) place online to promote carbon footprint reduction. in Topoľčany will also be host to our project Made in NR #3: I-solated. The Centre for Arts and Creativity – Potôň Theatre in Bátovce will be the venue of the Wandering for a Miracle programme. Major cities in the Nitra Region Capacity Q37 – such as Nové Zámky, Topoľčany and Šaľa will host the regional part of Divadelná Nitra_ a) How Nitra 2026 will make use of and develop the city’s Polycentricity. and region’s cultural infrastructure Nitra City Park is a perfect venue for The Alley of to deliver Our Nitra 2026 programme focuses on vacant, Unsung Heroes. The lake in the park will be where unused or inadequately used buildings, many of the Break The Ice Festival will take place. The which are a part of our National Cultural Heritage. independent cultural centre Hidepark in Nitra will A part of the Nitra 2026 programme will be based be the venue for music programme of [fjúžn] nitra in the historic cultural venues in the city centre, and the main Svätopluk Square in the city centre which together form a closely knit cultural area. will host the main part of the outdoor programme But with Nitra 2026 we also open up new and/or of International Theatre Festival Divadelná unusual performance locations in both natural and Nitra ‘35, Protesta Festival & Conference, Nitra urban places, or accelerate upgrades to existing 100h – Musical Marathon, parts of [fjúžn] nitra cultural venues. In the dynamically changing as well as opening and closing ceremonies. With world of the digital era of the 21st century, it is a capacity of 11,000 seats, 15,000 standing, the important for Nitra 2026 to adequately use the Amphitheatre in Nitra is the perfect place for the virtual world as a “cultural infrastructure” as well – film section of[fjúžn] nitra. The City Market will we do that through our nitra26.digital activities. be shortly repurposed to a multifunctional space as a cultural and social hub. The new venue will The Agrokomplex EXPO will be the venue for host our Nitra 2026 projects such as Cozytown. two of our artistic projects: Nitra: Lost. Possible. Population: Anyone and The Self-Preservation Future. and ComicCon Nitra. The Andrej Bagar Society. To support communities and develop Theatre from 1992 is one of the largest theatres polycentrism in the city we will build 4 community in Slovakia, but it gives a non-contemporary gardens in the housing estates Klokočina, Diely, impression. Its partial reconstruction and Chrenová and Čermáň for our project Gardens of transformation into a Green Theatre will include Nitra. The newly refurbished socialist community Our rural neighbours Bojná, Mojmírovce, embedding a green infrastructure on its roof. hubs Sandokan and Lipa will host parts of Topoľčianky, Belá, Bátovce, Oponice, Jelenec Together with Karol Spišák Old Theatre, they will What Would the Brothers Say? whilst the to and Nitrianska Blatnica followed. Five Local be the main venues of the International Theatre be built Black Box space at the J. Rosinský Action Groups (LAG Cedron – Nitrava, LAG Vitis, Festival Divadelná Nitra ‘35 special edition in Elementary Art School will host Made in NR #5: Civic Association Radošinka, Civic Association 2026 as well as presenting works of Made in NR: Imaginarium. Q36 Žibrica, Regional Association Dolná Nitra) Residencies and Co-productions and Take Over jumped on board as well with 87 additional rural the Institution! The Jewish Synagogue in Nitra The transformation of the former City Hall into Political support and commitment municipalities. This unprecedented support from built in 1911 is currently an important concert and a cultural centre will create a basis for our Nitra local governments and territorial partnerships exhibition venue with 250 seats. It will be hosting 2026 activities right in the middle of the city. It The Nitra City government has been supporting covers almost a third of all municipalities parts of Nitra: Lost. Possible. Future. The Nitra is the seat of the Nitra Regional Museum, the the bid by opening the process to anyone encompassing 430,776 inhabitants of the entire Castle is the largest castle complex in Slovakia Tourist Information Centre and the Nitra Tourist interested to participate. A number of established region including the City of Nitra. located in the upper town. Today, the castle Board, and will also serve as a new seat for the and independent cultural operators as well as houses the episcopal office, and is one of the existing COMIN – Community Centre for Work university researchers, were invited to take the outdoor places where The Upper Town Funk and and Knowledge Mobility. From 2025 onwards, the driver’s seat for bid development while the city parts of What Would the Brothers Say? projects city plans to establish a café for disadvantaged carried the bidding costs. will take place. groups here.

Nitra’s candidacy for the European Capital We also want to strengthen the cultural The new Creative Centre Nitra in the refurbished of Culture 2026 was approved by the City infrastructure in the whole region through a Palace Cinema and on Martinský Hill will be an Council in May 2020, and in November 2020 programme that networks, develops cooperation exciting new cultural infrastructure to explore the Council made a commitment to invest 5 m and creates a new perspective on culture in the with our projects for 2026. The centre will offer euros for the preparation and implementation region. opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and of Nitra 2026. Nitra Self-Governing Region artists for their creative production in metal, soon followed with signing of Memorandum With our project Made in NR #1: Survivors?! textile, wood and other workshops, co-working on Cooperation and Support for the candidacy we will revitalise our agrarian heritage like the spaces and music rehearsal rooms. But it will in July 2020. The support snowballed to much famous, now abandoned sugar factory in Šurany also be a new cultural venue with a 100-seat greater proportions from there. All of the cities or the remaining two of the mills on the river multifunctional hall and a café, and can also be in Nitra Region expressed their support and Zittau. The Ernest Zmeták Arts Gallery in Nové used to host artists in residence. interest to be part of the project (Nové Zámky, Zámky and Platform 1-12 in Topoľčany will Zlaté Moravce, Šaľa, Levice, Vráble, Komárno, host a part of Nitra: Lost. Possible. Future. and Topoľčany, Štúrovo, Hurbanovo, Kolárovo, Šahy, will spread it through the region. Platform 1-12, 56 Tlmače, Želiezovce, Šurany and Nesvady). 57 the multimedia space for contemporary culture b) Assets in terms of accessibility The R1 expressway connects Nitra with cities such as Vienna, Bratislava, and other Slovak cities: “The road to a friend’s house is never long.” Trnava (50 km), Zvolen (107 km), and Banská (Danish proverb) Bystrica (123 km). Getting to Nitra by plane, car, bus or train Nitra is accessible by regional and national bus Q38 transport from all major cities in Slovakia. There One of our biggest assets is the location of the are around 18 (weekend) to 28 (weekdays) daily Cultural, urban and tourism infrastructure projects city. Travelling to Nitra, you do not have to worry bus connections between Nitra and the capital in connection with Nitra 2026 about a long journey thanks to the four nearby Bratislava. Nitra is also accessible by direct bus international airports: Bratislava, Vienna, Brno connections from both Vienna and Prague. Project Value of investment Schedule Description

and Budapest. From each of them a car trip to The planned Nitra 2026 shuttle buses for City of Nitra and Region Nitra takes between 50 min to 2.5h. easy connection in the whole Nitra Region will offer the option to showcase our programme and Cultural Infrastructure marketing campaigns, and will themselves be * Creative Centre Nitra 10,000,000 € 2021 – 2022 Reconstruction of vacant army barracks at Martinský a space for artistic creation. Hill and Palace Cinema into multifunctional creative and cultural spaces The railway station in Nitra has not yet Warsaw, Poland undergone modernisation and is far from being * Old City Hall 8,000,000 € 2023 – 2025 Complete restoration and realisation of the new café (640 km) 7 h for disadvantaged groups. New seat for the existing COMIN called adequate. The direct railway connection – Community Centre for Work and Knowledge Mobility from Nitra to Bratislava is one of the main * Imaginarium Black Box 2,000,000 € 2023 – 2024 A new multifunctional hall for J. Rosinský Elementatry Krakow, Poland priorities of the Ministry of Transport and Art School (340 km) 4.5 h Prague, Czech Republic Construction of Slovakia. There is an international Congress Centre TBD TBD Multifunctional spaces for congresses, exhibitions, concerts (430 km) 4 h train that connects Nitra to Prague and also for over 500 visitors with one change to Budapest. The Arriva Nitra Creative Centre SUA 6,000,000 € 2021 – 2023 Reconstruction of the library of the Slovak University of company offers a city tourist train with two Agriculture (SUA) and creation of a creative centre focusing wagons and a capacity of 40 seats. on architecture, design and marketing Brno, Czech Republic (220 km) 2 h Community Infrastructure * City Market 5,000,000 € 2020 – 2025 Renovation of a National Heritage Site of the City Market, partially as a cultural and social hub Vienna, Austria (134 km) 1.5 h * Sandokan 3,100,000 € 2022 – 2024 Renovation of an old neighbourhood community hub along Nitra with a small library Bratislava (82 km) 50 min * Living River 2,350,000 € 2022 – 2025 Nitra and cities from the region plan to reshape the river banks into a modern leisure zone

* Lipa cinema 1,500,000 € 2020 – 2024 Full renovation of old cinema building

* Gardens of Nitra 1,000,000 € 2021 – 2025 4 community gardens with basic cultural equipment in 4 city neighbourhoods

Budapest, Hungary * Sauna on Wheels 100,000 € 2025 Region (40,000 € construction + 60,000 € operation) (160 km) 2.5 h IN-HABIT / Horizon 2020 350,000 € 2020 – 2025 Creation of a Reversible Multifunctional Open-source Urban Landscape along the 8 km long cycle route

Urban and Tourism Infrastructure * Revitalisation of Svätopluk 7,000,000 € 2021 – 2025 Complete revitalisation of the city’s main squares into and Župné square, pedestrian a functional public space with an emphasis on green solutions zone expansion and variable social distance bubbles. Revitalisation and c) Tourists’ accommodation capacity and the highest occupancy occurs typically expansion of the pedestrian zone and Radlinského street. during exhibitions and fairs at the Agrokomplex Railway from Trnovec 1,000,000 € 1st stage The most important part of the railway for direct connection Currently, there are 34 hotels and B&Bs with exhibition centre. nad Váhom to Nitra 1st stage, TBD 2021 – 2022, TBD from Nitra to Bratislava 1,991 beds in total, four tourist hostels and six At the local level, tourism is mostly Railway station modernisation TBD TBD Reconstruction and modernisation student dormitories with 4,340 beds in the city. handled by the City of Nitra through the Tourist Parking garage 13,000,000 € 2021 – 2024 Free car parks at four entrance points to the city with shuttle The number of overnight stays in Nitra reached Information Centre (TIC Nitra) and the Nitra and free car parks services to the city centre 280,525 in 2019. In the whole Nitra Region there Tourist Board (NOCR). There is also a regional are 396 accommodation facilities with 18,902 tourist card available, issued and operated Nitra City Park and local parks 2,000,000 € 2020 – 2024 Reshaping of the Nitra City Park and revitalisation of free green oases in the city beds in total. Nitra hosts almost 1 million visitors, by the Nitra Self-Governing Region and Nitra more than 40 exhibitions and 140 cultural and 100 Tourist Board. City swimming pool Klokočina 10,000,000 € 2022 – 2025 New city swimming pool in the biggest housing estate sports events annually. Cycling routes 5,500,000 € 2020 – 2023 11 cycling routes, 21 km total The capital, Bratislava, is only 50 minutes Summer swiming pool, 1,000,000 € 2019 – 2022 Modernisation and renovation of the city’s sports away by car and offers accommodation at an wrestling hall, skatepark infrastructure 4-star hotels 12 international standard. and tennis courts 3-star hotels or B&B 13 Travel and service points 500,000€ 2021 – 2025 Information and Meeting points for trips to and from Nitra Nitra as a city destination is not subject including small art galleries Airbnb 125 to seasonality. The higher occupancy of Nové Zámky City Park TBD TBD Reshaping of the Nové Zámky City Park and renovation and ManorHouse of Manor-House” accommodation facilities on weekdays is due Hostels / Youth Hotels 10 to business clients. The months of December, 58 January and February are usually weaker, Camping grounds 2 All projects marked with * have budgets allocated within the table of Q28. Nitra 2026 European Capital of Culture Candidate City

Pre-Selection Bid Book, 2020

The applicant: City of Nitra in partnership with Nitra Self-Governing Region

Nitra 2026 Team: Marián Tesák Irena Lehocká Anna Šimončičová Katarína Melichová Janka Popovicsová Monika Reiskupová Miroslav Zwiefelhoffer

Special thanks to everyone who contributed their ideas, insight or in any way helped with the content of this project. Furthermore, we want to thank all the members of our working groups who have spent infinite hours of their free time thinking about how to make Nitra a better city. www.nitra2026.eu/en/team

Graphic Design & Illustrations: Andrej & Andrej www.andrejandrej.com

Photos: Roman Oravec, pp. 1, 13, 36 Miloš Štefanka, pp. 14, 30, 38, 42, 49 Ctibor Bachratý, p. 19 Ivan Greguš, p. 5 Tomáš Kuša, p. 34 Veronika Rosputinská, p. 8

Published by: City of Nitra

Printed by: Devin Printing House This Bid Book is printed on recycled, environmentally friendly paper www.nitra2026.eu made by Fedrigoni. facebook.com/nitra2026 Materica Clay 250 gsm (cover) instagram.com/nitra2026 Freelife Vellum White 100 gsm (inside)