SPARSE Plus | Creative Europe project

1st European LOKAL Network Meeting in Świdnica. Wonderful, intensive time of exchange! Group pic by Daniel Gębala #LOKALEurope #ProgrammLOKAL #sparseplus

Un viaggio di confronto, ascolto e condivisione ci ha portati, insieme ai local promoter della Toscana, in Svezia per 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹. Nato nell’ambito del programma 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢, 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀 sostiene la diffusione dello spettacolo dal vivo professionale nelle aree rurali europee, dove l’offerta culturale è più fragile ma il bisogno di incontro e partecipazione è profondo. Il progetto porta teatro, danza e circo contemporaneo nei borghi e nei territori periferici, trasformando scuole, sale polivalenti, piccoli teatri e piazze in luoghi di comunità. 𝗖𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝟵 𝗣𝗮𝗲𝘀𝗶 𝗲 𝟭𝟮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮̀ 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶, vede per l’Italia la collaborazione tra @amatmarche – capofila – e Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo. Poiché circa il 30% della popolazione europea vive in aree rurali con minori opportunità di accesso culturale, il modello del 𝘳𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 favorisce l’incontro tra le persone e l’accesso ad esperienze artistiche di qualità anche lontano dai grandi centri urbani. Un progetto che costruisce ponti tra comunità e unisce le persone attraverso il linguaggio universale dello spettacolo dal vivo. @sparseproject @officinepapage @teatro_excelsior_reggello_ @natateatro @riksteatern_varmland @lostanzonedelleapparizioni @eugenio_giani @regionetoscana @crisscaletti @patriziacoletta

We just had El Mago del Tiempo presenting ZERO'S PLAN to 50 children in Hürth as part of the Sparseplus project. Everyone walking to the performance in a lovely autumn morning! That is sustainable touring! Special thanks to our new local promoter Marco Jansen from @emjayprojects !

🌾 Let’s reflect together on SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together! 🌾 Two inspiring days full of sharing, new ideas, and lively discussions about the future of cultural cooperation in rural Europe are behind us. The Symposium at @_archaplus_ in Prague brought together cultural practitioners, artists, and policymakers from across Europe, creating a strong sense of community. ✨ Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us – our wonderful speakers @amannsylvia , François Matarasso, Justin O’Connor, as well as Giulia Zavaglia (@chloesustainability ), Ralph Lister, @radim.srsen , @david_kaspar_z_desitky , and all Open Mic participants who enriched the event with their energy and insights. We also thank all @sparseproject international partners and their promoters and artists: @amatmarche (Italy, project coordinator), @eesti_tantsuagentuur (Estonia), Artists Group Fish Eye (Lithuania), @shoshin.theatre (Romania), @riksteatern_varmland (Sweden), @proprogressione (Hungary), @sinumtheatre (Hungary), @teatro4garoupas (Germany), @art.fraction.foundation (Poland), @fts.toscana (Italy) and Nová síť. Big thanks to our Czech partners for their continued collaboration: @rezi.dancekomarice , @theatrumkuks , @plum_yard , @spolek_kulturak , and @valdstejnska_lodzie . ♥ 💛 Sustainability was once again a key focus - thank you @nekoukeypapey for the delicious and responsible catering! After two vibrant days at ARCHA+, we continued our journey to @ecc_broumov via Kuks (@theatrumkuks ), discovering inspiring local cultural projects. The Symposium was realized with the financial support of @mesto_praha.eu , @ministerstvokultury , @ministerstvopromistnirozvoj , and the European Union (@creative.eu ). 🌸 Huge thanks to our amazing team — and to everyone who believes in the power of culture to connect and transform communities. 🌍 See you soon somewhere in rural Europe!

I’m glad to share that I recently presented my work Prelude to First Raindrops, at the SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together (@sparseproject ) at Archa Theatre (@_archaplus_ ) in Prague. Prelude to First Raindrops is a participatory performance-lecture, a sensory reset where imagination, scent, and storytelling meet. Through a small object, I invite the audience to pause, to smell the rain, and to hold a story that weaves together migration, ecology, and erased mythologies. Photos: Magdalena Kotárková

✨ SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together is over! An event full of inspiration, sharing, and lively discussions about the future of cultural cooperation in rural Europe is behind us. 👉 The SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025 at @_archaplus_ brought valuable insights, new connections, and a strong sense of connection among people who believe in culture as a tool for change. Thank you to everyone who joined us: Our key speakers, Sylvia Amann, François Matarasso, Justin O’Connor, as well as Giulia Zavaglia ( Chloe Sustainability), Ralph Lister, Radim Sršeň, David Kašpar, participants of Open Mic who contributed with their insights and energy and many others. (@Ufften život). The SparsePLUS - Supporting & Promoting Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe is realized in cooperation with the following organizations and partners who were present: International partners, their promoters and artists: Associazione Marchigiana Attività Teatrali (AMAT, Italy, project coordinator), @eesti_tantsuagentuur (Estonia), Artists Group Fish Eye (Lithuania), @shoshin.theatre (Romania), Riksteatern Värmland (Sweden), Pro Progressione (Hungary), Sinum Theatre Laboratory Association (Hungary), @teatro4garoupas (Germany), Art Fraction Foundation (Poland), Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo onlus (Italy), Nová síť (Czechia) Czech promoters: @rezi.dancekomarice , @theatrumkuks , @plum_yard , Kulturák, @valdstejnska_lodzie Sustainability was also a key focus — thanks to the excellent catering by Nekoukey Papey, who provided delicious and responsible refreshment. After the two-day program at ARCHA+, we continued on an inspiring journey to Klášter @klaster_broumov (@broumov_2028 ) via Kuks (THEATRUM KUKS, @galerieloutek_kuks ), where we had the opportunity to explore local ongoing projects. SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025 was realized with the financial support of the @mesto_praha.eu , @ministerstvokultury , @ministerstvopromistnirozvoj , and the European Union (@creative.eu ). A special thanks goes to our team, who organized the event and ensured its smooth running 🌸❤️

🌞 The day was dedicated to important discussions and future planning! @sparseproject partners gathered to go through key points on the agenda — reflecting on the project’s progress so far, discussing its future direction, upcoming events, and shared responsibilities. The atmosphere was constructive and collaborative, filled with ideas on how to keep developing the network and supporting culture in rural areas across Europe. 🤝 In the afternoon, participants had a chance to explore the beautiful Broumov Monastery — a remarkable baroque complex founded in the 14th century. The monastery is not only a spiritual and historical landmark, but also a vibrant centre for culture in the region. ✨

🌌 A visit to GALAXIE! Yesterday, a group of @sparseproject partners headed to Prague–Háje to explore the @galaxie_kulturnistanice — a unique cultural project that brings together five major Czech art organisations under one roof: @dejvicke_divadlo , @minor_divadlo , 4+4 Dny v pohybu, @damu.divadelnifakultaamu a DanceConnected. Located in the former multiplex cinema at the end of metro line C, Galaxie is now open and serves as a vibrant space connecting local communities, audiences, and artists across genres. The tour offered an inspiring glimpse into how an empty building has been brought to life through creativity, cooperation, and shared artistic vision. ✨

🚐 Yesterday afternoon, the SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together moved from Prague to Broumov! On the way, we made a stop in Kuks, one of the @sparseproject partners and home to the annual @theatrumkuks festival, which celebrates Baroque and Baroque-inspired art. We visited the @galerieloutek_kuks , where Stanislav Bohadlo shared fascinating insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of Kuks. It was a beautiful and inspiring stop on our journey. ✨

💬 The second day of the SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together is here! The morning opened with group discussions, bringing together half of the symposium participants to exchange experiences, ideas, and inspirations. Participants explored topics such as working with the community and its social impact, touring and mobility, and sustainability in cultural work within rural areas. The atmosphere was open and engaging — full of sharing, listening, and meaningful connection across countries and disciplines. 🌍 A wonderful beginning that reminded us how much we can achieve when we listen and create together. ✨

The second half of SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together kept the same energy and sense of connection as the first one! ✨ 🎤 Giulia Zavaglia (ES) shared the results of research mapping funding for cultural activities in rural areas across Europe. 🎤 Ralph Lister (UK) presented evaluation findings from the @sparseproject partner tours. The session also featured inspiring examples of good practices from across Europe: 💃 tanz weit draußen (DE) presented how their network supports contemporary dance and builds sustainable connections in rural regions. 🎭 Kateřina Bohadlová shared how the THEATRUM KUKS festival brings together artists and local residents through participatory projects. 🐦 Géza Pintér (HU) introduced the event Bird’s Feast, combining art, storytelling, and nature in the Hungarian village of Szalatnak. 🎤 Justin O’Connor (AU), Professor of Cultural Economy at Adelaide University, introduced key ideas from his book Culture is Not an Industry. He reflected on how culture forms a vital part of our social foundations—especially in rural contexts, where artistic practice is deeply connected with community and place. The day continued with a rich panel discussion moderated by Ralph Lister (UK) on Creating a Vibrant Arts and Culture Infrastructure in Rural Areas of Europe. Panelists Justin O’Connor (AU), David Kašpar (CZ), Sylvia Amann (AUT) and Markéta Hrdlička Málková (CZ) brought together European, national, and local perspectives on how to strengthen rural cultural networks and support sustainable development through art. 🎙️ The day was wrapped up with a lively Cultural Open Mic, where participants took the stage to share their five-minute reflections, creative ideas, and project experiences — ending the first day in a truly open and inspiring spirit. 🌍✨

✨ The first day of the SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together has successfully kicked off! The conference was opened by Adriana Světlíková, Aneta Hladovcová and Petr Pola from Nová síť, together with Daniele Sepe (Amat) representing the @sparseproject project, and Radim Sršeň from the @ministerstvopromistnirozvoj . The opening block highlighted the importance of supporting culture in rural areas across Europe and the role that projects like SPARSE Plus can play in strengthening these connections. The morning continued with inspiring contributions from international guests: 🎤 Sylvia Amann (AUT) spoke about the future of European cultural policies and their impact on rural areas. 🎤 François Matarasso (UK) shared his long-term experience in community art, reflecting on how artists can act as a voice of resistance against inequality and social pressure. A strong and inspiring start filled with ideas on how culture can enrich and connect rural communities across Europe. 🌍🎭