(PERMA)CULTURE FORUM 2026
05. February 2026
Two days exploring what the European Capital of Culture means for Czech culture
📅 February 5–6, 2026
📍 Kino Kotva, Lidická Street 2110, 370 01 České Budějovice 7
The forum offers two intensive days:
5 February – Conference Day, opening key themes of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) in the context of the Czech Republic,
6 February – Workshop Day, going deeper into practice and offering concrete tools, data, and know-how.
What is the (Perma)Culture Forum?
The (PERMA)CULTURAL FORUM is an annual programme conference held since 2023. Each year, at the beginning of the year, it presents the dramaturgical plan, thematic priorities, partners, and projects for the upcoming period.
It is a space for building synergies, sharing best practices, discovering new perspectives, and connecting local experience with a global context.
DAY 1 — CONFERENCE
The first day opens key ECoC themes within a broader European and Czech context.
It shows where the Budweis 2028 project currently stands, which projects are coming into play, and which questions are shaping a cultural sector that aims to have real impact.
The programme focuses on three essential perspectives:
- The City as a Stage - What will the title year 2028 bring, and how are projects prepared that have the power to transform the city?
- ECoC for Everyone - Why experiment with new formats, work with communities, and engage audiences that culture often fails to reach?
- Visibility and Identity - How can the ECoC shape a city’s brand and strengthen the cultural sector across the region?
The City as a Stage: The Power of Major Cultural Events
What can people expect from Budweis in 2028? What remains after cultural “mega-events” once the final applause fades? And does it make sense to prepare the largest immersive theatre festival in the Czech Republic in South Bohemia?
The official ECoC opening ceremony regularly attracts more than 50,000 visitors. Its concept, together with other programme highlights, will be presented by Anna Hořejší, member of the ECoC team.Experience from Nova Gorica 2025 – European Capital of Culture will be shared by Neda Rusjan Bric, Director of Nova Gorica 2025. Additional perspectives will be offered by Rudolf Střítecký, drawing on his experience from major international events, and Martina Schlegelová, Director of the South Bohemian Theatre, responsible for preparing one of the main ECoC programme highlights in 2026 – the theatre festival Jižní Svéráz.
ECoC for Everyone: Big Topics in Small Formats
Is culture only entertainment, or can it also be activist? What does the ECoC look like beyond the main stages? And what impact can targeted work with young people or Ukrainian refugees have?
New formats and approaches to accessibility will be presented by Lucie Bílková, member of the ECoC team. Immy Jonkman will share how engaging specific communities contributed to the sustainable development of Leeuwarden after its ECoC year.
Local experiences — from beekeepers to the Young Creators Academy — will be introduced by Václav Krištůfek and Bianka Machová.
Visibility and Identity: How the ECoC Shapes a City’s Brand
Does the ECoC need its own iconic figure? How is marketing and communication changing within cultural institutions? And how has a strong ECoC brand supported the cultural sector in cities such as Linz or Bad Ischl 2024?
The final block focuses on branding, communication, and urban identity. Jan Jelínek, founder of BNT Agency, and Adéla Kovářová, ECoC Marketing Manager, will present the marketing strategy for Budweis 2028. Bernhard Buchegger will share insights into the brand strategies of neighbouring ECoC cities such as Bad Ischl and Linz. In addition, Aleš Seifert from the Alšova South Bohemian Gallery will demonstrate how inspiration can also be drawn from cultural institutions within the region.
Time schedule
8:30 | Doors open
9:00 | Conference opening (moderated by Saša Michailidis)
9:00-9:15 | Opening remarks
- Dagmar Škodová Parmanová (Mayor of České Budějovice)
- Karolína Raabová (ECoC)
9:15-9:30 | Presentation of the theme of the (Perma)cultural Forum
- Petr Peřinka (ECoc)
9:30-10:45 | The city as a stage: The power of major cultural events (moderated by Saša Michailidis)
- 9:30-9:40 - Anna Hořejší (ECoC)
- 9:45-9:55 - Neda Rusjan Bric (ECoC Nova Gorica 2025)
- 10:00-10:05 - Rudolf Střítecký (Art4promotion)
- 10:10-10:15 - Martina Schlegelová (South Bohemian Theater)
- 10:15-10:45 - Panel discussion
10:45-11:00 Coffee break
- 11:00-12:15 | EHMK for everyone?! Big topics in small and large formats (Moderator: Lenka Nechvátalová)
- 11:00-11:10 - Lucie Bílková (ECoC)
- 11:15-11:25 - Immie Jonkman (ECoC Leeuwarden 2018)
- 11:30-11:35 - Václav Krištůfek (J. K. Tyl Theater Company)
- 11:40-11:45 - Bianka Machová Jr. (YOUNG CREATORS)
- 11:45-12:15 - Panel discussion (Lenka Nechvátalová)
12:15-13:00 | Lunch break
13:00-13:30 | Screening of the aftermovie Image for My City
13:30-15:00 - Visibility and Identity: How Culture Shapes a City's Brand
- 13:30-13:40 - Jan Jelínek (BNT agency)
- 13:45–13:55 - Bernhard Buchegger (Gruppe am Park GmbH Kommunikationsagentur)
- 14:00–14:05 - Aleš Seifert (AJG)
- 14:10–14:15 - Adéla Kovářová (EHMK)
- 14:20–14:50 - Panel discussion (Lenka Nechvátalová)
14:50-15:00 | Conference summary
15:00–16:00 | Informal networking
20:20–23:00 | Pecha Kucha Night České Budějovice vol. 36
DAY 2 — WORKSHOPS
Data, Projects, and Branding — Practical Tools for the Cultural Sector
The second day is designed for those seeking concrete tools, shared experience, and practical ways to engage with the ECoC. The workshops Who Are South Bohemians When It Comes to Culture? and How to Become Part of the ECoC Programme will be held in Czech.
The workshop How to Work with the ECoC Brand and Make the Most of It will be held in English.
📅📍6 February | 10:00–12:00, Former Post Office Building, Nádražní 118/6, České Budějovice 370 01
How often do people attend cultural events? Where do they go — and where do they not go? Why is audience knowledge crucial for the development of cultural organisations today?
The ECoC has conducted a unique study of cultural behaviour in Budweis and the South Bohemian Region.
The workshop will demonstrate:
- how to work with data in practice,
- how to design similar research at the city, regional, or organisational level,
- and how to use the results in programme planning and communication.
The workshop will be led by Czech–Polish expert duo Aleksandra Kołtun and Linda Krajčovič Synková.
This workshop will be held in Czech, without interpretation.
📅📍6 February 2026, 10:00-12:30 | Riegrova 51, Riegrova 1756/51, 370 01 České Budějovice 3
The first part introduces projects selected in the first round of the open call, which will become part of the ECoC programme in 2028.Meet their creators in a dynamic format — 11 presentations, 5 minutes each.
The second part focuses on the second round of the open call, including practical guidance on how to submit a project and apply for financial support.
The session will be led by Matěj Vlašánek and Kateřina Hovorková.
This workshop will be held in Czech, without interpretation.
📅📍6 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 | Riegrova 51, Riegrova 1756/51, 370 01 České Budějovice 3
How can the presence of the largest cultural event in the history of Budweis strengthen communication for local and national organisations?
This practical workshop, led by experts from Gruppe am Park, offers concrete tools and examples for working with the ECoC brand in everyday practice.
This workshop will be held in English, without interpretation.
WHO IS THE FORUM FOR?
For cultural professionals, cities, institutions, creatives, strategic planners, and everyone interested in how culture can shape cities and regions in the long term.
More information
👉 Conference registration is free of charge.
👉Registration is open until 30 January 2025.
👉Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended.
👉If you wish to attend after registration has closed, please contact us at: iva.jedlickova@budejovice2028.cz
👉The conference will be held in Czech and English.
👉Simultaneous interpretation will be provided on 5 February, including the accompanying Pecha Kucha Night.
👉Workshops Who Are South Bohemians When It Comes to Culture? and How to Become Part of the ECoC Programme will be held in Czech. The workshop How to Work with the ECoC Brand and Make the Most of It will be held in English.
👉If you have any special requirements, please contact us in advance at the email above or indicate your needs in the registration form by 30 December 2025.
👉Registration also includes entry to Pecha Kucha Night České Budějovice vol. 36, the evening accompanying programme of the conference (with simultaneous interpretation).
