Hungary, September 2026 – More than 100 artists, researchers, cultural organisers and policymakers from across Europe will gather in Miskolc between 23–27 September 2026 for the SPARSE Plus Celebrating Conference, the closing event of the international Creative Europe project SPARSE Plus - Supporting and Promoting Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe Plus.
Hosted by Pro Progressione, the conference will bring together representatives of more than 15 organisations from ten European countries – including Hungary, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom – to reflect on four years of international cooperation dedicated to improving access to high-quality performing arts in rural and geographically remote communities.
The conference's main public programme will take place on 24 September at the University of Miskolc, showcasing the project's achievements in international touring, artist mentoring, audience development, research and network building. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and case studies, participants will explore how culture can strengthen local communities and contribute to sustainable regional development.
Beyond celebrating the project's results, the conference also looks ahead. Participants will discuss current challenges facing rural culture across Europe, share practical experiences from local communities, and explore new opportunities for international cooperation. Researchers, artists, rural promoters and cultural organisations will exchange knowledge on building resilient cultural networks that extend beyond major urban centres.
"SPARSE Plus has shown that international cooperation can make high-quality performing arts accessible far beyond cities. The partnerships and knowledge created over the past four years provide a strong foundation for continuing to strengthen cultural life in rural communities across Europe." says Daniele Sepe, Deputy Director of AMAT - Associazione Marchigiana Attività Teatrali, the lead partner of the SPARSE project.
On 25 September, participants will visit the villages of Bódvalenke and Szendrőlád in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, where they will experience community-led cultural initiatives and meet local organisers, promoters, artists and residents. The programme offers a unique opportunity to see how performing arts can foster dialogue, participation and social cohesion in rural settings.
The conference concludes with a partner meeting focused on the long-term legacy of SPARSE Plus and the future development of the European SPARSE network.
SPARSE Plus Celebrating Conference
Dates: 23–27 September 2026
Conference Day at University of Miskolc, Hungary: 24 September 2026
Study Visit: 25 September 2026 – Bódvalenke and Szendrőlád
Read more about the project: https://www.sparse.eu/
The Celebrating Conference is organised within the SPARSE Plus project, which is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
Press contact
Tímea Kókai-Nagy
Head of Communication, Pro Progressione
