15th Culture Next Conference | BIELSKO-BIALA (Poland)
Culture, Art and Wellbeing – Best Practice in People’s Engagement
The Conference
The 15th Culture Next Conference will take place in the city of Bielsko-Biała (with contribution from the city of Burgos, Spain), from the 15th to the 17th of October, under the theme “Culture, Art and Wellbeing – Best Practice in People’s Engagement“.
Culture Next (CN) Network together with Urban Culture Institute – City of Weaves will host the second CN Conference of 2025 under the theme “Culture, Art and Wellbeing – Best Practice in People’s Engagement“ Representatives from 50 European cities will meet in Bielsko-Biała on Thursday 16th of October and Friday 17th of October, for the time of reflection and connection – both surrounded by the city and the forest of Beskidy Mountains.
Bielsko-Biała, recently entitled as Polish Capital of Culture 2026, builds on the legacy of its European Capital of Culture 2029 bid, “Weaving Wellbeing”. This initiative integrates the city’s rich textile heritage with a mission to improve citizens’ wellbeing through culture. By addressing loneliness and opening the arts to new audiences, we aim to weave creativity into everyday life. Nestled in the Beskid Mountains, Bielsko-Biała harmoniously blends nature, sport, and the arts—synergies that will take center stage at our upcoming conference in October.
During the 15th CN conference, we will explore innovative ways to engage new audiences and raise awareness of the idea that culture can be as beneficial to health as sport.
The programe blends keynote talks, case study presentations and hands-on experiences with curated matchmaking and networking sessions for both international and local stakeholders. Representatives from 50 European cities will meet local artists and cultural organizations from Bielsko Biała and the surrounding region. And of course, participants will be able to experience firsthand some of the cultural and health-related activities, gaining a deeper understanding of their impact.
You’ll find all logistical information, the agenda, and the registration on the conference page
See you in Bielsko-Biała, Poland!
Culture Next
Culture Next is an informal, friendly and relaxed network dedicated to mutual support and collaboration between European cities which are current or former candidates for the European Capital of Culture title, awarded or not.
Seven years after its founding în Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Culture Next involves around 40 cities on the continent. În 2021 the network received a grant from the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission to scale-up Culture Next and improve its capacity to work with more European cities.
Interested to become a member?
Register nowMember Cities
Our members are cities or organizations representing various cities: former and future title holders, cities which continued their cultural programmes even without being selected aș ECoCs and cities which intend to do this.
Many of our members represent cities which are current candidates, interested în developing European connection and sustainable cultural programmes which can be implemented independently of the jury decision.
Registrations Closed
Main venue
Multiple sites in Bielsko-Biała and surrounding mountain locations (details to follow).
Accommodation
Conference hotel
- Ibis Styles, Żywiecka 93
Additional Hotels’ recommendations
- Qubus Hotel – corporate style, inside a shopping centre (Mostowa 2)
- Ventus Rosa Aparthotel – steps from the main square (Piwowarska 6)
Travel to BielskoBiała
By air
| Airport | Transfer options | Notes |
| Kraków (KRK) | Conference shuttle (recommended) • Train to Kraków Główny + bus | Widest choice of flights |
| Warsaw WAW (Okęcie) | Direct train to BielskoBiała (≈ 3 h 30 min) | Good if you plan to visit Warsaw or Lublin |
| Katowice (KAT) | Train to Katowice Główne, then onward train | Close, but connections may require a change |
By train
Travellers from Czechia or Austria can check services to Český Těšín (Czeski Cieszyn). A conference shuttle will cover the final leg to Bielsko-Biała.
Practical Information
- Language – Polish; basic English is widely understood in most situations.
- Currency – Polish złoty (PLN). Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts.
- Weather – MidOctober usually brings 10 – 22 °C and limited rainfall. Mountain sessions reach 1 000 m a.s.l.; evenings can be chilly.
- Emergency number – 112
- Time zone – Central European Time (CET)
Local Transport
- The historic centre is walkable, but the conference hotel lies just outside the city centre (30 minutes walk)
- A dedicated bus will serve all main conference events.
- Taxis: app and phone services work well. Bolt is more reliable than Uber. Local operator: Okey Taxi (+48 720 535 353).
Parallel Events
While you are here, visit the FotoArtFestival—citywide photography exhibitions running throughout the conference week: https://fotoartfestival.com/en/exhibitions-2025/
Final Agenda
Day -1 | Early Arrivals Day
Tuesday 14th of October 2025
This day has an unofficial vibe and is dedicated for the early arrivals, Culture Next Board & Executive Members and SDG Thing Lab participants.
Culture Next bus pick-up for the Old Town dinners
Dinner at Browar Miejski - open to SDGs members and Management team that arrive earlier
Browar Miejski is located in a renovated historic tenement in the Old Town, on a street with a rich brewing tradition. Its interior design reflects the history of brewing in Bielsko, where a brewery operated just 30 meters away between 1805 and 1870. Visitors can watch the full production process of Bielitzer beer and enjoy it freshly served with regional dishes prepared by the chef. [everyone pays for themselves]
Later that evening for those who will dare there will be an opportunity to try premium stronger drinks (than beers) produced in Bielsko-Biała with little story behind them.
Day 0 | Pre-meetings
Wednesday 15th of October
This day is dedicated to internal meetings of the Culture Next Management (Board and Executive Team) and the SDG Thing working group.
SDG Thing Lab & Management Meeting
SDG Thing Lab & Management Meeting
Management Team – Operational working time.
SDG Thing Lab – Workshop.
Lunch Break
SDG Thing Lab & Management Meeting
SDG Thing Lab / Management Team Meeting
Management Team – Operational working time.
SDG Thing Lab – Workshop.
Bus transfer back to the hotel
The bus will take us to the Ibis hotel where you can go and rest.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (Please register via the WhatsApp group)
Bus transfer from the City Hall back to the Ibis hotel
Bus transfer to the Opening Ceremony. Meeting point: Ibis Styles Hotel
Please dress warmly and comfortably, as this part of the program will be under a roof but in an unheated building, with not only food planned but also some movement.
Official Reception. Drinks & Dinner
Welcome words by:
- Jarosław Klimaszewski, Mayor of Bielsko-Biała
- Ștefan Teișanu, Secretary General of Culture Next Network
- Przemysław Smyczek, Head of Culture and Promotion Department – Responsible for the Polish Capital of Culture
Food, drinks and DJ party with lots of dancing and karaoke will follow.
First bus back to the hotel
Second bus back to the hotel
Day 1 | Public Day
Thursday 16th of October
This day is dedicated to the big conversations about Culture & Well-being: How can we engage new audiences through culture to promote wellbeing? How can we raise awareness of the role of art and culture in supporting individual and community wellbeing?
Please wear comfortable and warm clothes – best dress in layers.
Culture Next Bus to the City Hall from the hotel
Morning Coffee
The City Hall session will feature live visual note-taking / graphic recording by Dorota Kostowska
Welcome speeches & Introductions
Welcome words by:
- Ștefan Teișanu, Secretary General of Culture Next Network
- Rafał Sakowski – CEO – City of Weaves – Urban Culture Institute
Good Arts, Good Mental Health®️ From ‘idea’ to arts-mental health media campaign by Prof Christina Davis (AUS)
Prof. Christina Davies has over 20 years’ experience at the intersection of arts and mental health, combining research with practice. She is Director of the Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Western Australia, and her award-winning studies focus on how cultural participation improves wellbeing. Background: Artist, Epidemiologist, Health Promoter, and Policy Officer, Senior Evaluation Officer.
She launched Good Arts, Good Mental Health®️, a pioneering public campaign promoting the arts as a form of population-level mental health promotion — a model adaptable internationally. Known for her engaging, energetic and charismatic speaking style, she is also keen to lead a workshop on raising awareness and promoting the wellbeing benefits of cultural participation.
Panel: “What is Wellbeing for Us?”
This panel is led by PhD Rafaela Neiva-Ganga with contributions from Moa Bjørnson, Sara Vuletic, Paweł Dybała and Darren Abrahams, who will share how culture shapes our understanding of wellbeing.
Drawing on her academic background and research, Rafaela will highlight the complexity of the topic. Together, the panelists will open up a multidimensional conversation on wellbeing across cultural and social perspectives.
Coffee Break
Panel: “Culture, Art and Wellbeing – Best Practice in People’s Engagement”
This panel will be moderated by Rarița Zbranca and brings together experts from diverse fields of creative health. Christina Davies, Karile Mozeryte, Edyta Ruta, Hannah Farley, and Kathryn Corps will share experiences ranging from singing with migrants and marginalized groups to museums engaging youth and the elderly, care for carers, city-wide creative health programs, and human–nature connections. Their insights will highlight practical approaches showing how art and culture can strengthen wellbeing across different communities.
Szyndzielnia cable car ride
The Culture Next bus will take us to the lower station of the Szyndzielnia cable car, from where we will ascend to 1,000 meters above sea level. The final 26 meters will be reached on foot along a gravel path (adapted for people with special needs), leading us to lunch and the afternoon program in one of the oldest and largest mountain shelter in this part of the Beskids.
Please note! the temperature difference between the city at 262 meters and the summit is significant and can be felt.
Lunch Break
Artistic Surprise
Projects' Pitching Sessions
Networking around thematic circles with local stakeholders
Summing up the day so far
Wellbeing experience sessions (please register via WhatsApp Group)
- Singing for wellbeing
Sing your way to joy with Darren Abrahams. Through playful exercises and group songs, discover how your voice can boost mood and connection – no experience needed.
- Relaxation concert
Lie down under a blanket and immerse yourself in a soothing sound bath of gongs and singing bowls at the Szyndzielnia shelter. A blissful pause to rest and recharge.
- Photo walk
Take a mindful photo walk with Inez Baturo in the forest near Szyndzielnia. Slow down, notice the details and capture moments of nature and light.
- Forest bathing (FULLY BOOKED)
Experience forest bathing: slow down, breathe deeply and engage all your senses as the forest draws you in.
- Movement and breathing
Explore movement and breath with actor Karol Pruciak. This theatre‑inspired session helps you reconnect with your body, release tension and tap into creativity.
Transfer to lower station and the restaurant
Bus to the hotel or city center to carry on with the (cultural) fun
Day 2 | Network Day
Friday 17th of October
This day is accessible to Culture Next member cities and cities that are interested in becoming members, and the conversations focus on issues related to Culture & Well-being and to internal Culture Next affairs.
Running in the "Gypsy Forest" - only for the "early birds"
Culture Next bus will take full members to the City Library
Mobilities Match Making
Session dedicated to match making for the mobility programme open only for full members
The Culture Next bus will take all other members to the venue
Morning coffee
Opening of the Last Day
Keynote speech by Jiro Kogi
Jiro Kogi is the deputy Secretary-General of the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee and works to promote cultural exchange between Japan and Europe. He presented the role of EU-Japan Fest at meetings with representatives from European Capitals of Culture and discussed activities and vision for cultural collaboration with ambassadors.
Culture Next Therapy Sessions
In this unusual “therapy session,” conference participants will split into groups based on their stage in the European Capital of Culture journey: candidate cities, cities preparing for celebrations, those that didn’t make the cut, and those that already survived the title year. Conversations will be guided by seasoned members of the network, who know the ups and downs all too well. It’s a chance to share stories, laugh at our struggles, and realize that—luckily—we’re not the only ones who had it tough!
Next on Culture Next
A mysterious part of the conference prepared by the Management Team. Let’s buckle up and embrace the bright future they are cooking for us!
Closing of the Conference + Survey
Various activities depending on your choice (booking in advance). You will meet your guide at the lunch venue.
-
-
- Street Art City Tour
Stroll through Bielsko‑Biała’s vibrant streets and hidden corners, where murals burst with colour even in autumn’s muted tones. Comfortable shoes needed.
- From Migration to Belonging – a guided walk through 20th Century, Architecture
Explore Tel Aviv of Bielsko and the Klimczok Department Store on this guided walk through 20th‑century architecture. Learn how modernist visions, Jewish heritage and postwar changes shaped migration, trade and belonging.
- Foto Art. Festival – visiting the exhibitions
Tour the international FotoArtFestival exhibitions across the city.: https://fotoartfestival.com/en/main-page-foto-art-festival/
- Study visit: library for neurodiverse kids
Visit the Blue Kingdom at Książnica Beskidzka, a sensory‑friendly library for autistic kids. Explore its magic carpets, slides and calm zones, and meet the staff who run creative programs for neurodiverse families.
- Cold water dipping
Dive into a nearby mountain stream for a quick, mood‑boosting dip – hats, gloves, flip‑flops and towels recommended. Perfect for the adventurous!
- Mountain Bike Experience (Bielsko Biala hosted the World Cup in 2024 and 2025)
Get ready for an adrenaline rush! Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious first‑timer, you’ll enjoy the wind in your hair, the challenge of the terrain and the stunning Beskid scenery.
-
The bus will drive you to the Bazylia restaurant for dinner from Ibis Hotel.
Day 3 | Saturday-Funday
Saturday 18 of October 2025
This day is dedicated to those who just can’t get enough of the fabulous Bielsko-Biała and want an extra-treat.
Fun activities
- Mountain hike to Magurka or Kozia Góra (depend on time and weather)
- MTB riding or Foto Art Festival
- Exhibition for those who missed it day before.
