Nebenan/Zblízka

In the "Nebenan" festival series, HELLERAU presents contemporary art from countries and regions where artists work under difficult political conditions. The fourth edition is dedicated to the independent performing arts scene in Slovakia, which has been turned upside down since the parliamentary elections in October 2023. Left-wing populist Robert Fico became Prime Minister again in a three-party alliance and Martina Šimkovičová from the ultra-right Slovakian National Party (SNS) was appointed Minister of Culture. She has made it clear that she wants to enforce a "national Slovakian culture". She has already arbitrarily replaced the management and qualified staff of state cultural institutions, cancelled the current funding system and is spreading hate speech and conspiracy theories against freelance artists and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Many artists are uncertain about their future.

"Nebenan/Zblízka" invites you to experience a diverse programme of performances, dance performances, lectures, installations, film, workshops and open studios from the vibrant Slovakian cultural landscape, to engage in conversation at lectures and panel discussions on the current mood of upheaval and protest and to round off the evenings with a concert and party.

With: Adam Dragun, Altalicious, Berlin Manson, Collective ooo, Dávid Koronczi & Co, Divadlo Štúdio tanca / Judith Sánchez Ruíz, Karol Filo & Co, Katja Dreyer & Peter Šavel, Kiki House of Velvet, Marková & Ruther, Miriam Budzáková, Open Studios by resident artists in cooperation with Telocvičňa - Dance Residency Centre, Roman Škadra, threeiscompany & Jaro Viňarský, Yuri Korec & Co.