We are announcing an Open Call for artistic projects for ESK 2026

Join us in creating the next edition of one of Rzeszów's biggest cultural events and Poland's top interdisciplinary festivals! 

We are excited to announce our Open Call – open to all adult creators and artists. Do you have an idea for a unique artistic project? Submit your proposal and help enrich the program of the East of Culture – European Stadium of Culture 2026.

The 16th edition of the festival will take place from June 25th to 28th, 2026. 

As every year, we guarantee a dose of intense artistic experiences through exceptional, interdisciplinary events presented across the entire city. Rzeszów will once again become a space for unconventional projects, experimentation, and the fusion of various art forms. 

This year’s theme for the European Stadium of Culture is: INNOVATION! 

We focus on: 

• Creative experiments 
• The use of new technologies 
• Co-creating innovative artistic projects 
• The intersection of different artistic fields 

We value: 

• A pioneering approach 
• Engaging narratives 
• Innovative forms 
• Virtual spaces 

In short – everything that helps build a creative, cultural ecosystem and demonstrates how an innovative approach can enhance the diversity of art. Your project should show that innovation is not an end in itself, but a means to deepen the cultural experience, solve a problem, or open a new path for artistic expression. 

Applications are open until February 28th, 2026. 

Curators of the artistic programme of ESK 2026
 
Music 
Małgorzata Płysa – director and curator of the Unsound festival, co-artistic director of the Ephemera festival, expert in the field of interdisciplinary artistic activities and international cooperation of artists. 

Performing arts 
Dominik Więcek – dancer, choreographer, performer and stylist, known for deconstructing the history of dance and experimenting with theatrical forms. 

Visual arts 
Elwira Wojtunik - Láng - Artistic Director and Initiator of the renowned Patchlab Digital Art Festival, one of the most significant art & tech events in Poland. Curator and producer of projects at the intersection of contemporary art and new technologies, specializing in digital art, immersive experiences, and interactive media (AR/VR/XR/AI). She is also the founder of the Photon Foundation, which fosters international artistic collaboration and supports creators working with technology. 

If you want to implement your event under the supervision of one of our curators, submit your project today! Don't miss the chance to co-create one of the most important cultural events in Poland. We are waiting for your ideas! 
 
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