Michal Hvorecký © Martina Lukić
In the first session of the Re:Create Europe webinar programme in 2026 Slovak writer Michal Hvorecký will share his expertise on the topic “Artistic Freedom Democracy and Cultural Resilience in Europe”.
The webinar programme 2026 is centred on the theme “Transformation of Cultural Policies” and focuses on cultural policy and institutional frameworks, civil society and civic engagement, artistic practice in challenging contexts, strategies of resistance and resilience. It is organized by the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava together with Re:Create Europe partners.
We invite all interested persons to join us for this first public session!
📅 Friday, 11 September 2026
🕑 12:30 – 2:00 pm (CET)
🔗 Register here: registration link
Michal Hvorecký, born 1976, lives in Bratislava. He writes for FAZ and Die Zeit. In his home country, he is actively involved in defending press freedom and opposing anti-democratic developments. His books were translated into dozen languages. In 2026, Michal Hvorecký published the book “Dissident”, his non-fiction debut in German language, a passionate appeal against the shift to the right in Europe. Whilst he has previously written short stories that were, in part, dystopian, his new book deals with a dystopia that has become reality: in his fourth term in office, the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is dismantling democracy and the rule of law. And the far right-wing populist Minister for Culture, Martina Šimkovičová, is dismissing a string of unpopular theatre, museum or gallery directors and cultural managers. It is chilling to witness the purge of state-run arts institutions – and the country’s steady creep to authoritarianism. The government is spreading fake news, conspiracy theories and pro-Russian propaganda.
A talk about the fragility of democracy, the power of civil society, the new dissidents of the 21st century, and the necessity of speaking out. And about how our collective commitment to democracy and artistic freedom is essential.
Find more information about Michal Hvorecký on his website: https://hvorecky.sk/
Join us for further public sessions in 2026 (registrations will be separate, information will follow):
- Fri, 16 October · 12:30 CET The Power of Civil Society: How to Survive Manual in cooperation with Open Culture! Platform
- Fri, 6 November · 12:30 CET Local Autonomy: Best Practice of Small Cultural Centres in Croatia
- Wed, 28 October · 14:30 CET Working Around the Roadblocks: Practical Solutions for Creatives Post-Brexit
The Re:Create Europe webinar series 2026 is moderated by Iryna Yuferova.
Find more information about Re:Create Europe and the Webinar Series 2026 here.
