SPARSE Plus Symposium 2025: Culture Get-Together
The Nová síť organization invites cultural professionals, local government representatives, artists, and the general public to the sixth annual Culture Get-Together conference, which will be held in conjunction with the European SPARSE Plus project for the first time this year. The theme for 2025 is European Rural Touring – The Future, i.e., the future of performing arts and cultural cooperation in rural areas of Europe.
The aim of the symposium is to share experiences and find ways to maintain and develop cultural life outside traditional centers. The program will offer inspiring contributions from various European countries, reflections on practical experience in the field, discussions, and networking.
The symposium is organized by Nová síť in cooperation with the international network SPARSE Plus, with the support of the Creative Europe program and other partners.
09.00 - 09.40 / Official Opening of the Conference
Moderator:
● Saša Michailidis (CZ): Czech journalist and moderator known for his work on radio and
television discussions. He specializes in topics of culture and social dialogue. Moderation
in English.
Welcome Address:
● Nová síť: Aneta Hladovcová (CZ), Petr Pola (CZ), Adriana Světlíková (CZ)
● SPARSE Plus: Amat - Daniele Sepe (IT)
● Representatives of the City of Prague and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech
Republic: Radim Sršeň - Deputy of the Cabinet Minister, Deputy Minister of Regional
Development of the Czech Rebublic, Member of the European Committee of the Regions,
deputy of the Cabinet Minister, other names will be specified later, depending on their
presence.
Content:
● Presentation of the program.
● Importance of supporting culture in rural areas in Europe. SPARSE Plus project case.
09.40 - 12.30 / Morning Block: Inspiration from Practice
Keynotes:
1. Sylvia Amann (AUT): Future (Culture) Policies with Rural Areas in Europe
● International expert in cultural policy and funding, long-time advisor to EU
Institutions
Abstract: Evolving (EU) frameworks related to rural development require novel policy and
implementation perspectives. Culture development should play a related central role in view of
major (rural) transformations of the 21st century and changing frameworks. Which are related
(new) options for (EU) (Culture) policies?
● Duration: 25 min + 15 min Q&A.
2. Francois Matarasso (UK): A Principle of Resistance
● Cultural theorist with 45 years of experience in community art, author of the book
"A Restless Art."
Abstract: An increasingly autocratic world order is provoking dangerous, unsettling change,
inequality and insecurity. The interests of the poor, weak and marginalised are forgotten or
ignored. What can artists who work with such communities hope to achieve in such conditions?
François Matarasso will draw on 45 years' work in co-creation to describe its perennial importance
in community development and suggest how a philosophy of resistance to dominant ideologies
can still defend space for positive change.
● Duration: 25 min + 15 min Q&A
11.00 – 11.20 / Coffee Break (refreshments and networking opportunity)
11.20 – 12.45 / SPARSE Plus Research Presentation:
1. Chloe Sustainability - Giulia Zavaglia (ES): Results of SPARSE Plus Research -
Analysis of funding cultural activities in rural areas of Europe.
● Duration: 25 min (+ Q&A after next presentation)
2. Ralph Lister (UK): Evaluation Results of SPARSE Plus Partner Year 1 Tours
● Duration: 10 min + 10 min Q&A.
3. Examples of Good Practices: Three short contributions from SPARSE Plus partners
focused on Funding, Community aspects, Sustainability.
● Duration: 30 min + 10 min Q&A.
12.45 – 14.15 / Lunch Break (on-site lunch, networking opportunity)
14.15 - 16.20 / Afternoon Block: Social Impact and Cooperation
Keynote:
1. Justin O'Connor (AU): Creative Funding for Culture
● Professor of cultural economy at Adelaide University, author of studies on cultural
policy and economy.
Abstract: This presentation will introduce the key ideas of Culture is Not an Industry, exploring
how the book challenges dominant narratives around culture, creativity, and economic value. It
will reflect on how the publication has been received across Europe since its release, highlighting
the debates it has sparked within policy, academia, and the cultural sector. Particular attention
will be given to the relevance of these discussions for those working in the arts in rural contexts,
where cultural practice is often closely tied to questions of community, place, and sustainability
● Duration: 35 min + 15 min Q&A.
Panel Discussion:
Title: Creating a Vibrant Arts and Culture Infrastructure in Rural Areas of Europe
● Bringing together different viewpoints representing the local, national and
European perspectives, we will discuss this topic and reference the role rural
touring and the SPARSE Plus has played in making this a reality.
Moderation by Ralph Lister (UK)
Confirmed Panelists:
● Justin O’Connor (AU) – Professor of Cultural Economy, Adelaide University
● David Kašpar (CZ) – Deputy to the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic for
cultural and creative industries
● Sylvia Amann (AUT) – Expert in cultural policy and funding, long-time advisor to
the European Commission
● Markéta Hrdlička Málková (CZ) – Director at REZI.DANCE – Artist Residential
House for Live Art in the Village of Komařice
● Duration: 75 min.
16.20 - 17.00 / Coffee Break (refreshments and networking opportunity)
17.00 - 18.30 / Cultural Open Mic
Uncensored informal five-minute contributions on the conference topic
● Open Mic is an interactive session allowing participants to share their thoughts,
ideas, and projects related to the year’s theme.
Moderation by Jiří Šimek (CZ): Theater creator and co-founder of the Ufftenživot ensemble, graduate of the Prague Academy of Performing Arts. His work blends physical theatre, dance, slam poetry, and new media.