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Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 21:40 · 36 articles added
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Culture

Parliamentary Committee to Send Questions to FPU Bodies, Seeks Responses by April

Slovakia's parliamentary cultural committee has decided to send formal questions to bodies associated with the Fund for the Promotion of Arts (FPU) and expects responses by the end of April. Committee member Dušan Jarjabek from Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party, said the committee approved this procedural approach to obtain answers that will allow them to make progress on the issue. The Fund for the Promotion of Arts is a state institution responsible for distributing public funding to cultural projects and artistic endeavors in Slovakia.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Slovakia Remembers Poet and Musician Pavel Zajíček on What Would Have Been His 75th Birthday

Slovakia is commemorating what would have been the 75th birthday of Pavel Zajíček, the influential frontman of the band DG 307 and celebrated poet. Zajíček, who passed away before reaching this milestone, was a significant figure in Slovak alternative culture and underground music. DG 307 was known for its experimental approach and countercultural influence during the communist era and beyond. The commemoration highlights Zajíček's lasting impact on Slovak arts and literature, where he bridged the worlds of music and poetry in ways that influenced generations of Slovak artists.

Dennik N
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Culture

Slovak Parliament to Issue Statement Marking 60th Anniversary of 'The Shop on Main Street' Oscar Win

The Slovak parliament will adopt a declaration commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Academy Awards ceremony where the film 'The Shop on Main Street' won an Oscar. The ceremony took place on April 18, 1965, when the Slovak-Czechoslovak film received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The parliamentary declaration recognizes this milestone achievement in Slovak cinema history, as 'The Shop on Main Street' remains one of the most internationally acclaimed films from the former Czechoslovakia. The film, directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos, depicted the story of a Slovak carpenter during World War II and the Holocaust, bringing Slovak storytelling to global prominence through Hollywood's highest honor.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Slovak Commentator Criticizes AI Usage as Shameful in Media Discussion

A Slovak media personality has sparked discussion by declaring that using artificial intelligence is shameful and should be openly criticized. The commentary came during what was described as a continuation of a podcast format, though the presenter noted the irregular nature of the show and its departure from typical podcast conventions. The critic argued that silence on AI usage is no longer acceptable, calling for a return to traditional methods and expressing concern about the growing reliance on artificial intelligence tools in media and communication.

Dennik N
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Culture

Bratislava School Hosts International Packaging Design Competition for Fourth Time

The Secondary Polygraphic School in Bratislava organized the Packaging Star 2026 competition for the fourth time, bringing together talented students from Slovak and foreign vocational schools specializing in graphic design and printing arts. The prestigious international competition showcases student work in packaging design, providing a platform for young designers to demonstrate their skills and compete at an international level. The event highlights Slovakia's growing role in technical education and design training within the printing and packaging industry.

Bratislavský kraj
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Culture

Cultural experts publish recovery plan for Slovakia's cultural sector following political changes

The Open Culture platform has released a Cultural Recovery and Resilience Plan (POOK), outlining specific steps and measures for Slovakia's cultural sector following the anticipated departure of current Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová. More than 100 cultural experts, including several dismissed directors of cultural institutions, contributed to the first version of the document. Mária Beňačková Rišková, speaking for the platform, emphasized that the plan represents strategic thinking rather than revenge, stating it is part of their tactical approach to cultural recovery. Šimkovičová, nominated by the Slovak National Party (SNS), has been a controversial figure in Slovak cultural policy since taking office as part of the current ruling coalition.

Dennik N
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Culture

Television Station Launches Anti-Hate Campaign Featuring Celebrities Reading Cruel Anonymous Comments

A well-known television station has launched a hard-hitting campaign against online hate with the message "Hate is not an opinion." The campaign features a video in which prominent personalities read aloud real and extremely cruel comments left by anonymous users online. The video quickly went viral across the internet. Slovakia has previously seen similar anti-hate campaigns, indicating an ongoing effort by media organizations to address the problem of online harassment and toxic commentary directed at public figures and ordinary citizens.

Aktuality
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Culture

Bratislava Region Hosts Joint Art and Photography Competition Exhibitions

The Bratislava region is hosting two major cultural competitions in 2026. The Visual Spectrum 2026 marks the 63rd year of the regional round of a nationwide amateur visual arts competition for non-professional artists. Simultaneously, AMFO 2026 celebrates its 54th year as the regional round of Slovakia's national amateur photography competition. Both exhibitions serve as qualifying rounds for national competitions, showcasing the creative talents of amateur artists and photographers from the Bratislava region.

Bratislavský kraj
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Culture

Modra Castle to Host Arts and Wine Program in Mid-April 2026

Modra Castle in the Bratislava region will present a cultural program from April 13-19, 2026, featuring arts workshops and wine events. The castle's gallery spaces will showcase a new exhibition by artist Milada Čapková, while the week will include artistic workshops and intimate cultural events combining local arts with regional wine traditions.

Bratislavský kraj
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Culture

Harry Styles Returns with New Album After Three-Year Break from Public Eye

British singer Harry Styles has returned to the music scene with a new album titled "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally" after taking a three-year break from the public spotlight. The former One Direction member stepped away from the entertainment industry to experience life outside of show business. During his hiatus, Styles reportedly engaged in activities like marathon running and exploring Berlin's techno scene. The new album marks his return to music after an extended period away from recording and performing.

Dennik N
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Culture

Numerology enthusiasts see matching digits on clocks as spiritual messages

People who follow numerology believe that matching number combinations on digital clocks, such as 11:11 or 22:22, carry specific spiritual meanings. Followers of these beliefs interpret these time displays as signs and connect them with positive life changes or messages from the spiritual world. The practice reflects a broader interest in finding symbolic meaning in everyday numerical patterns.

Košice Dnes
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Culture

FRAJ Independent Arts Festival Seeks Support for Eighth Edition in Rimavská Sobota

FRAJ, an independent multi-genre festival celebrating contemporary art, is planning its eighth edition for July 24-25, 2026, in the historic Čierny Orol venue in Rimavská Sobota. The festival organizers have indicated that public support will play a role in determining whether the event will proceed as scheduled. FRAJ has established itself as a platform for contemporary artistic expression across multiple disciplines, bringing cultural programming to the central Slovak town of Rimavská Sobota. The festival's future appears to depend on community engagement and support from potential attendees and sponsors.

Aktuality
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Culture

New Book Features Female Heroes from Six Continents in Adventure Tales

A new publication invites readers on adventures with female protagonists from across six continents, featuring characters described as cheerful and serious, cunning, vain and fearless, gossipy, and some clever enough to outwit Death itself. The book presents diverse female heroes spanning different personality types and cultural backgrounds in what appears to be a collection of stories celebrating women's roles as protagonists in adventure narratives.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Catholic University in Ružomberok Opens Sixth Edition of UNIUM Festival

The Catholic University in Ružomberok has opened the sixth edition of its international UNIUM festival. The university, located in north-central Slovakia, is hosting this annual cultural event that brings together international participants. UNIUM represents one of the regular cultural festivals organized by Slovak higher education institutions to promote international exchange and cultural dialogue.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Horehronské Museum Organizes Creative Workshop Tied to Sea Treasures Exhibition

The Horehronské Museum is preparing a creative workshop connected to its current exhibition titled "Sea Treasures." During the workshop, participants will engage in the peaceful art of painting mandalas using acrylic paints on canvas. The museum activity combines artistic expression with the maritime theme of the ongoing exhibition.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Justin Bieber Faces Criticism After First Concert in Years at Coachella Festival

Pop star Justin Bieber returned to the stage as a headliner at the Coachella music festival, marking his first concert performance in years. The Canadian singer faced widespread criticism from fans and media after reportedly playing old YouTube clips during his million-dollar performance instead of delivering a fully live show. The festival appearance represented Bieber's comeback to major live performances after an extended hiatus from touring.

SME
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Culture

Slovak Actress Táňa Pauhofová Opens Up About Career Struggles and Personal Challenges

Slovak actress Táňa Pauhofová, 42, has given a candid interview about her personal and professional journey, revealing intimate details about her relationship with her family, self-image struggles, and career pressures. The actress discussed how her grandfather influenced her life, her childhood insecurities about her appearance, and periods when she felt like she was operating mechanically rather than authentically. Pauhofová also spoke about experiencing fear and frequent crying after childbirth, as well as her departure from the Slovak National Theatre (SND), one of the country's premier cultural institutions. The interview touched on her desire to win awards partly to gain her mother's recognition of her professional achievements, though she acknowledged this validation never materialized as expected.

Dennik N
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Culture

Samuel Beckett, author of 'Waiting for Godot,' born 120 years ago

Samuel Beckett, the renowned playwright behind the influential absurdist drama 'Waiting for Godot,' was born 120 years ago. The Irish-born writer, who later became a key figure in 20th-century literature, drew significant inspiration from the turbulent European atmosphere of the late 1930s as the continent moved toward World War II. Beckett's acute sense of the absurd found fertile ground in this period of mounting political tension and uncertainty, shaping his distinctive literary voice that would later revolutionize modern theater through works exploring themes of existential waiting, meaninglessness, and the human condition.

TASR/Teraz
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Culture

Slovak Author Petra Toth Champions Paper Books Over Digital Reading

Slovak author Petra Toth expressed her strong preference for traditional paper books over digital alternatives, citing their unique sensory qualities. Toth explained that physical books provide an irreplaceable atmosphere, distinctive scent, and tangible connection to time that digital formats cannot replicate. Her comments reflect ongoing debates about reading preferences in an increasingly digital world, as many readers continue to favor the tactile experience of traditional books despite the convenience and accessibility of e-readers and digital publications.

Aktuality
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Culture

Slovakia's Lovestream Festival Changes Organizer Again Amid €1.4 Million Debt

The Lovestream music festival, one of Slovakia's largest music events, has changed its organizing company for the third time while carrying a debt of 1.4 million euros. The festival's new organizer was selected through a limited tender process, raising questions about transparency in the selection procedure. The ownership changes come as the festival faces significant financial obligations, highlighting ongoing management and financial challenges for what has become a major event in Slovakia's music calendar.

SME
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