Trenčín makes up for time lost in the pandemic

From 26 July until 26 September the ECOC 2026 candidate city will offer compensation for experiences cut short by COVID-19

Ever seen a football match with four teams and two balls? A concert with each song played twice? Or two portions of your favourite restaurant meal you have missed out on because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Sounds crazy, but all of the above, and more, will be possible in Trenčín, a European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2026 candidate city located in western Slovakia close to the Czech border.

Two is better than none

Under the slogan Double the fun this summer! Trenčín will offer residents and visitors many opportunities to enjoy the things they couldn‘t do because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

The innovative project will unfold from 26 July until 26 September and will include dozens of actions that compensate for lost time and experiences in tourism and culture, shopping and gastronomy, sports and education. The original concept of double experience is the brainchild of acclaimed conceptual artist Kateřina Šedá.

Who is Kateřina Šedá?

A Czech artist whose work is close to social architecture, Kateřina Šedá is the author of many public performances in the Czech Republic and abroad. She focuses on socially tuned happenings and experiments aimed at leading participants out of experienced stereotypes or social isolation. Through their own (provoked) activities and thanks to the new use of everyday means, participants are encouraged to bring about a lasting change in their behavior.

Kateřina Šedá is the second Czech artist to be granted the privilege of a solo exhibition at the Tate Modern in London (2011). She is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including Magnesia Litera Award, Architect of the Year 2017 award, and the Jindřich Chalupecký Award.  

Trenčín’s 2026 ECOC bid

Trenčín is one of the three shortlisted candidates for the 2026 European Capital of Culture competition. Its programme called Cultivating Curiosity wants to open up curiosity among its inhabitants and visitors, stimulate creative industries in the city and make Trenčín one of the authentic European cultural hubs.