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Culture

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Culture

Slovak Historian Examines Historical Documents on Culture-Politics Relationship

A Slovak historian has published analysis examining the relationship between culture, art and politics through historical documents. The author revisited various historical materials from the communist era, reading them with "new eyes" to find surprising connections and troubling parallels with contemporary Slovakia. The analysis specifically highlights a 1985 speech by Czech actor Miloš Kopecký at the IV Congress of Czechoslovak Dramatic Artists, which surprised participants, attracted public attention, and provoked displeasure from the communist authorities at the time.

Dennik N
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Culture

Margecany Hosts Regional Folk Festival Featuring Traditional Performances

The village of Margecany is hosting the "Klenoty kraja" (Gems of the Region) festival, showcasing traditional folklore performances from various regions. The cultural event brings together diverse forms of folk traditions, highlighting the rich heritage of different areas through music, dance, and other traditional expressions.

Korzár
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Culture

Billie Eilish and James Cameron Collaborate on 3D Concert Film 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

Pop star Billie Eilish and acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron have created a 3D concert film titled 'Hit Me Hard and Soft,' which promotional materials describe as a collaboration made in heaven. The project brings together the influential contemporary pop artist with the director who revolutionized the film industry through his technical innovations. While the film showcases impressive 3D effects and captures the singer from multiple camera angles, critics suggest the visual spectacle lacks deeper substance, making it primarily appealing to Eilish's most devoted fans rather than achieving broader artistic impact.

Dennik N
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Culture

Documentary 'The Disappearance of Mengele' Recognized Among Top Films of the Year

A documentary examining the post-war fate of Nazi doctor Josef Mengele has been highlighted as one of the standout films of the year. The film explores the premise that fascism did not end abruptly with World War II but continued to influence events afterward. The documentary was featured among recommended new film releases in the Vertigo podcast, which covers cinema news and reviews.

SME
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Culture

Over 2,000 protesters demonstrate against Israel's participation in Venice Biennale

More than 2,000 people protested against Israel's participation in the Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions held in Venice, Italy. The demonstrators accused Israel of war crimes and genocide during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Venice Biennale, which runs every two years, features national pavilions from countries around the world showcasing contemporary art, making it a significant platform for cultural diplomacy where political tensions often surface through artistic expression and public demonstrations.

SME
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Culture

British actress and politician Glenda Jackson would have turned 90 today

Glenda Jackson, the British actress who won two Academy Awards before leaving Hollywood for a 23-year political career, would have celebrated her 90th birthday today. Jackson famously abandoned acting at the height of her career to serve as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party from 1992 to 2015, representing the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency in London. She won Oscars for Best Actress for her roles in "Women in Love" (1970) and "A Touch of Class" (1973) before making the rare transition from entertainment to politics, where she served as a junior transport minister under Tony Blair's government.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Weekend Cultural Programming Features Interview with Slovak Cultural Figure

Slovak media outlet SME aired a special weekend morning program featuring an interview with Matej Drlička, focusing on questions about the role of culture in society. The program, titled 'Good Morning Saturday,' explored whether culture should serve primarily as entertainment and relaxation or if it has broader societal functions. The discussion appears to be part of SME's weekend cultural programming, addressing ongoing debates about the purpose and value of cultural activities in contemporary Slovak society.

SME
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Culture

Slovak Media Offers Politics-Free Weekend Reading

Slovak daily Denník N launched a weekend feature titled "Weekend Without Politics," providing readers with non-political content as an alternative to the country's typically politics-heavy news cycle. The initiative includes cultural commentary, such as discussions about literature and arts, offering readers a respite from political coverage. The feature reflects a broader trend in Slovak media to diversify content beyond the dominant political discourse that characterizes much of the country's news landscape.

Dennik N
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Culture

Entertainment Recommendations: New Elizabeth Moss Project and Year's Top Horror Featured in Streaming Guide

Slovak media outlet Dennik N has published its editorial team's curated selection of current films and television series available for online streaming. The recommendations include a new project starring Elizabeth Moss featuring a story about a woman being stalked, as well as what the publication describes as the year's standout horror film. The guide aims to help viewers navigate the current selection of streaming content available to Slovak audiences.

Dennik N
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Culture

Medieval Sokoľ Castle Opens New Viewing Tower Displaying Historical Discoveries

Sokoľ Castle has unveiled a new observation tower that offers visitors panoramic views while showcasing medieval artifacts discovered during restoration work. The tower provides access to historical finds that were uncovered as part of ongoing preservation efforts at the castle site. The region has made the preservation of historical monuments a long-term priority, with Sokoľ Castle representing one of the key cultural heritage sites receiving attention and investment for restoration and public access.

Korzár
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Culture

Košice Church Bust Proves to Be Multimillion-Dollar Art Treasure

A bust that was displayed at the entrance of a parish church in Košice has been identified as a valuable artistic masterpiece worth millions, ultimately making its way to Los Angeles. The sculpture, initially considered a worthless copy, has been recognized as a world-unique artwork. The discovery transforms what appeared to be an ordinary church decoration into an internationally significant cultural artifact, highlighting how valuable artworks can sometimes remain unrecognized in unexpected locations.

Korzár
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Culture

Worthless Copy from Košice Parish Becomes Million-Dollar Art Discovery in Los Angeles

A sculpture that appeared to be a worthless copy at a parish in Košice, Slovakia's second-largest city in the east of the country, has been identified as a valuable original artwork now worth millions of dollars after making its way to Los Angeles. The bust, which was previously displayed at the entrance of the local parish, has since been recognized as a unique piece of significant artistic and monetary value. The discovery represents a remarkable transformation of what was initially dismissed as an insignificant reproduction into a globally recognized art treasure.

Korzár
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Culture

Bernini Sculpture Bought in Košice for €24,000 Sells for €34 Million at International Auction

A baroque sculpture purchased in Košice for €24,000 has sold for €34 million at international auction after being identified as a work by renowned Italian master Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The dramatic price increase represents one of the most significant art discoveries in recent years, highlighting how valuable masterpieces can sometimes be found in unexpected locations. Košice, Slovakia's second-largest city and a major cultural center in the eastern part of the country, was the unlikely starting point for this remarkable art world story that has captured international attention.

Korzár
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Culture

Culture Minister Dismisses Head of Slovak Technical Museum in Košice Without Explanation

Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová dismissed Zuzana Šullová, director of the Slovak Technical Museum in Košice, at the end of March without providing any reason for the removal. Šullová had led the museum for six years and successfully stabilized the institution both financially and in terms of staffing during a period of consolidation. She has worked at the museum since 1998 and has dedicated nearly thirty years to museum work, specializing in technical cultural heritage. Šimkovičová, nominated by the Slovak National Party (SNS), is part of the current ruling coalition government that took power following elections last year.

Dennik N
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Culture

Slovak Public Television Introduces Modified Logos After January Redesign

Slovak Radio and Television (STVR), the country's public broadcaster, has begun using new logos on air that differ from the versions it officially unveiled in January. The original logos featured curved shapes and were described by critics as robust, massive, and outdated. The broadcaster has now adopted sharper, more dynamic versions of the design. The logo changes are part of broader developments at STVR, which operates as Slovakia's state-funded public broadcasting service providing television and radio programming to the nation.

Dennik N
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Culture

Mengele's Disappearance Film Provokes Both Admiration and Revulsion

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has succeeded in creating a deliberately shocking film with "Mengele's Disappearance," which has generated polarized reactions from audiences. The film appears to have achieved the director's stated goal of provoking strong emotional responses, with viewers expressing both admiration and disgust for the work. Serebrennikov, known for his provocative artistic approach, specifically intended the film to be shocking in nature.

SME
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Culture

Slovak Theater Presents New Take on Czech Folk Singer Karel Kryl's Life Story

Slovak director Patrik Lančarič is presenting a new theatrical production exploring the life of Karel Kryl, the renowned Czech folk singer and poet. The production approaches Kryl's story from a unique perspective, focusing on what Lančarič describes as the lifelong trauma that shaped the artist's work. Kryl, who became famous for his guitar-accompanied poetry and songs, was a prominent figure in Czech culture, particularly known for his politically charged folk music during the communist era and beyond. The new theatrical interpretation offers audiences a different angle on understanding the influential musician's personal struggles and artistic legacy.

Dennik N
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Culture

Piešťany Music Festival to Mark Musical Anniversaries and Jubilees

The Piešťany Music Festival will commemorate various musical anniversaries and jubilees this year, opening on May 15 with a performance by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Czech conductor Leoš Svárovský. The festival, held in the spa town of Piešťany in western Slovakia, will feature the country's premier orchestra performing to mark significant dates in classical music history. Further details about the specific anniversaries being celebrated and the festival's full program have not yet been announced.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Bratislava Region Hosts Folk Dance Competition Finals

The Bratislava Region held its regional finals of the Šaffova Ostroha 2026 folk dance competition on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Municipal Cultural Center in Malacky. The competition is a nationwide contest for solo folk dancers, with regional rounds determining participants for higher levels of the competition. Šaffova Ostroha is a traditional Slovak cultural event that promotes and preserves folk dance traditions through competitive performances by individual dancers.

Bratislavský kraj
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