| 24 September 2026 | University of Miskolc, Hungary | English |
How can high-quality performing arts reach rural and geographically remote communities? How can local cultural promoters be supported, audiences developed beyond major cities, and international cooperation strengthened at the same time?
These are some of the questions addressed by the European project SPARSE Plus, which over the past years has brought together artists, cultural organisations, promoters, researchers and local communities from across Europe. Nová síť is one of the project partners.
The project will culminate in the Lights On Rural Touring final conference hosted by Pro Progressione, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026 at the University of Miskolc Library in Hungary. The event will provide an opportunity to share experiences from the project, present its results and research findings, and discuss the future of cultural work in rural areas.
What can you expect?
The morning programme will focus on the results and experiences of the SPARSE Plus project. It will cover the international touring programme, the mentoring programme for rural promoters and artists, the development of the SPARSE Network, as well as the results of evaluation, research and advocacy activities.
The programme will also include a presentation of the research Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Performing Arts, in which Charles University in Prague participated.
The afternoon session, Rural Experiences – Stories from the Field, will offer concrete examples of cultural work in rural communities. Participants will explore, among other things, community building in rural Hungary, experiences with transcultural theatre, and ways of successfully engaging local communities and developing audiences.
The final session will focus on the research findings and the future direction of the SPARSE Network. It will include an introduction to potential new partners, a roundtable discussion and an opportunity for questions and discussion with the audience.
Programme
9:30 – 10:00 Registration and welcome coffee
10:00 – 12:30 Celebrating SPARSE Plus – opening and project results
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch and networking
13:30 – 15:00 Rural Experiences – Stories from the Field
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee break and networking
15:30 – 17:00 Research Findings and the Future of the SPARSE Network
17:00 – 17:30 Closing
The conference is aimed primarily at artists, cultural producers and organisers, festival curators, community workers, public administration representatives, researchers, and everyone interested in rural cultural development, audience engagement and international cultural cooperation.
Participation is free, but registration is required. Places are limited.
Registration is open until 18 September 2026.
The conference will be held in English at the University of Miskolc Library, 1 Egyetem Street, Miskolc-Egyetemváros, H-3515, Hungary.
More information about the project:
Project partners:
Associazione Marchigiana Attività Teatrali (Marche, IT)
SA Eesti Tantsuagentuur (EST)
Artists Group Fish Eye (LT)
Nová síť (CZ)
Shoshin Theatre (RO)
Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo (IT)
Pro Progressione (HU)
SINUM (HU)
Teatro 4Garoupas (D)
Riksteatern Varmland (SWE)
Art Fraction Foundation (PL)
Centrum umeleckých aktivít (SK)
Vestland County Council (N)
Consultant:
Take Art (UK)
SPARSE Plus is a project co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
The opinions and statements contained herein reflect the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.