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Description
Pohoda festival is a celebration of freedom and tolerance. It creates space for art, but it also has an ambition to be a work of art itself. The festival not only aims to promote the art but also helps to create new art by motivating artist to create new festival artworks which is a very strong element in the unique festival´s atmosphere. Project is planned to run for 2 years, and to present 2 editions of each event. Every event will bring several activities that aim at building new audiences and creating support to values important to healthy and well-functioning democracy. At the center of the activities in the project is the persona of Juraj Kušnierik, ativist, journalist and life optimist who was also great admirer and propagator of Iceland and its culture. This project is tribute to Juraj Kušnierik as he was the embodiment of how we can move forward without regarding the past and present as suboptimal and the future as the only place we can be better. The project will include events, such as Concert for Martina and Ján, Café Kušnierik at Pohoda festival, and Concert for attentive. The collaboration with the Iceland Music is crucial element of the project, because it develops the base for paying tribute to Juraj Kušnieirk who was avid admirer of Iceland, its music and culture.
Summary of project results
The Pohoda – Enhancing Freedom project addressed significant societal and cultural challenges, particularly the need to promote freedom of expression and support contemporary art as a means of fostering democratic values. The project also sought to combat extremism, radicalism, and hate speech while providing platforms for minority and vulnerable groups to participate in cultural activities. It aimed to strengthen cultural cooperation between Slovakia and Iceland, leveraging artistic expression to address issues such as inclusivity and human rights.
The project organized a series of cultural and educational events to promote freedom and democracy through artistic expression. Key activities included:
Concerts and Performances: Two Concerts for Ján and Martina in Gregorovce honored the values of democracy and justice. Two Concerts for the Attentive were held in Bratislava, focusing on themes of social awareness and inclusivity.
Café Kušnierik Events: Hosted during the Pohoda Festival, these events included performances by young Slovak and Icelandic artists, fostering cultural dialogue and collaboration. The festival also featured discussions on topics such as women in music, pregnancy and festivals, and the role of art in addressing social issues.
Artistic and Educational Programs: Events included visual art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and debates on extremism and social cohesion. Minority artists and representatives from marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with disabilities, were actively involved, creating an inclusive cultural environment.
Collaboration with Icelandic Partners: Iceland Music contributed to curating the program and supported the exchange of artistic ideas and projects between Slovakia and Iceland.
Public outreach was bolstered through media campaigns, a project website, and social media platforms to ensure wide visibility.
The project achieved significant cultural and social outcomes, benefiting artists, cultural institutions, and the broader public. It strengthened the capacities of 107 cultural experts and directly supported two institutions, Pohoda Festival and Iceland Music.
By hosting inclusive cultural events, the project improved access to contemporary art and provided platforms for marginalized voices. Discussions and performances reached a wide audience, promoting awareness of democracy, human rights, and social inclusion. The involvement of young artists fostered collaboration and skill-sharing between Slovak and Icelandic participants.
For the public, the project enhanced cultural diversity and engagement with current societal issues, encouraging dialogue and fostering democratic values. The outcomes established a sustainable foundation for continued cultural cooperation and highlighted the transformative power of art in addressing social challenges.
Summary of bilateral results
The Pohoda – Enhancing Freedom project greatly benefited from its partnership with Iceland Music, a leading organization promoting Icelandic music and artists globally. This collaboration significantly enriched the project’s activities and outcomes, particularly by facilitating cultural exchange and mutual learning. Iceland Music played a pivotal role in designing the program, organizing events, and showcasing Icelandic artists, helping to promote the values of freedom and democracy through cultural expression.On a bilateral level, the partnership achieved several key results. Icelandic artists, including Arny Margret, Bogomil Font, and Lay Low, performed at events such as Concerts for Ján and Martina and Café Kušnierik at the Pohoda Festival. These performances brought international attention to the events and highlighted the vibrant Icelandic music scene. In addition to the performances, Iceland Music contributed to discussions on cultural identity and democratic values, such as the panel “Iceland: Island of Music,” fostering dialogue on how art and culture can serve as tools for societal development.The collaboration extended beyond performances, with representatives from both partners participating in international conferences and workshops. For example, Pohoda Festival representatives attended Iceland Airwaves, further strengthening ties and exchanging insights on festival management and cultural programming. These activities deepened mutual understanding and laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration.Looking ahead, the project aims to build on this successful partnership. Plans include continued exchange of artists and ideas, co-creation of programs that emphasize cultural and democratic values, and exploring further opportunities for collaboration. The shared commitment to fostering culture as a cornerstone of societal development ensures a strong foundation for ongoing bilateral cooperation.