Trenčín has become a meeting place for culture professionals from across Europe, where they exchange experiences and inspire new cultural initiatives. Together, they shape the prestigious educational program RUNWAY Culture Professionals, part of the Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture project. Applications for this year’s semester will open in early February, and participants from all over Europe and beyond are welcome to join.
Around 100 professionals working in cultural institutions—galleries, museums, libraries—as well as in public administration and non-profit organizations have already completed the RUNWAY Culture Professionals semester program. Through this, they have gained new insights and approaches in service design, audience engagement, and strategic planning. “Cultural professionals from abroad are also encouraged to apply. Participants often highlight the networking opportunities and relationship-building as key benefits of the program, sometimes leading to professional collaborations on concrete projects. Since the course operates on a European scale, this value is amplified—fostering experience-sharing across countries and the creation of international partnerships,” said Stanislava Minárik Imrišková, Project Manager at Trenčín 2026.
What is RUNWAY Culture Professionals?
Each semester of RUNWAY Culture Professionals consists of five two-day sessions, structured as full-day workshops. The program covers topics such as strategic planning in culture, strategic communication and branding, service design, networking, audience engagement, and soft skills (teamwork and more). The workshops emphasize active participation, allowing students to share their professional experiences and engage in practical exercises. Throughout the semester, participants also work on their own cultural strategy, which they present at a mini-conference at the end. This final event provides valuable feedback and inspiration for their future development.
Who is the program for?
This program is tailored for professionals working in the cultural sector and managing cultural or artistic projects. Given its structure, at least two years of experience is recommended. Since the official language of the program is English, a good command of the language is essential.
Each semester is limited to 30 participants, creating a community-oriented environment that fosters personal interaction and knowledge exchange.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to its connection with the European Capital of Culture, we can offer RUNWAY Culture Professionals completely free of charge, despite its estimated value of around €2,000. This is a unique opportunity to enhance your expertise and expand your professional network without any financial investment.
How to apply?
Applications will be open from February 3 to February 23 on the website https://www.trencin2026.eu. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity for professional growth—become part of this unique program!
