15th Culture Next Conference | BIELSKO-BIALA (Poland)
Bielsko-Biała, Poland, 15th-17th of October
The Conference
The 15th Culture Next Conference will take place in the city of Bielsko-Biała, from the 15th to the 17th of October, under the theme “Culture & Wellbeing”. Registration is now open until the 2nd of September 2025!
Culture Next (CN) Network together with Urban Culture Institute – City of Weaves will host the second CN Conference of 2025 under the theme “Culture & Wellbeing”. 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 programme 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.
Registration is open until the 2nd of September 2025.
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/
Provisional Agenda
Still subject to change
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.
Bus transfer
Board & Executive Meetings
Dedicated to the CN management team. Lunch is included.
SDG Thing Lab
This workshop is dedicated only for the cities that already signed up to take part.
transfer from the official hotel to the official dinner
Official Reception. Drinks & Dinner
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?
Bus transfer
Welcome Coffee
Welcome Speeches & Introductions
Keynote Speeches & Worskshops
Coffee Break
Panel session
Lunch
Transfer to the mountains
Note: bring comfortable, warm clothing
Cities pitching session
Note: if you have a project that will happen in the future and for which you are searching for partners, this is your moment! Having a thematic related to Culture & Well-being is a plus. Apply your proposal in the registration form!
Networking session with local stakeholders
Sum-up session
Transfer to dinner
Dinner & Party
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.
Bus transfer
Coffee for full CN members
Note: one hour later welcome coffee for the rest of the group
