About us
Malý Berlín is an independent cultural centre based in Trnava, Slovakia, working at the intersection of contemporary art, civic engagement and international cultural cooperation.
Located in the historic city centre, we operate as an open cultural platform that connects local communities with European cultural networks, ideas and practices. Our work is rooted in the belief that culture plays a vital role in democracy, social cohesion and the development of resilient, open societies — particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Each year, Malý Berlín presents more than 300 public events across two performance halls, the majority of them produced or co-produced by our team. Our programme spans theatre and dance, music, film, literature, discussions, conferences and educational activities. We combine artistic production with critical reflection, creating space not only for presentation, but also for dialogue and learning.
Beyond public programming, Malý Berlín develops international projects, artistic residencies and capacity-building activities for cultural professionals and civic actors. We collaborate with partners across Europe on initiatives focused on cultural participation, community engagement, freedom of expression, and the role of independent culture in times of social and political change. Residencies, research-based artistic work and knowledge-sharing formats are an integral part of our practice.
We see our role not only as a venue, but as a cultural actor and facilitator — supporting artists, strengthening professional networks, and building bridges between local realities and international discourse. Special attention in our work is given to the contexts of Central and Eastern Europe, where independent cultural spaces often serve as crucial platforms for dialogue, critical thinking and civic imagination.
Within this regional focus, we have been actively engaged in collaborations connected to Ukraine, supporting cultural professionals, cross-border exchange and projects responding to the social consequences of the war. Through international partnerships and initiatives such as ZMINA, we contribute to sustaining cultural dialogue, mobility and professional solidarity in times of crisis.
Malý Berlín is a member of Anténa – the Slovak network for independent culture, and Trans Europe Halles, the largest pan-European network of independent cultural and creative centres. Through these connections, we actively contribute to European cooperation, knowledge exchange and policy-related discussions on the future of culture.
Why “Malý Berlín” (Little Berlin)?
While Trnava is traditionally called “Little Rome”, the name Malý Berlín expresses a forward-looking perspective. It reflects values we stand for: openness, plurality, experimentation and the courage to create space for independent voices. Rather than referencing a place, the name points to an attitude — the ambition to cultivate a lively, diverse and critically engaged cultural environment in our own local context.
Who we work for
Malý Berlín is conceived as an inclusive space. We work with artists, cultural professionals, schools, families, young people, students, adult audiences and seniors. Alongside artistic quality, we prioritise accessibility, participation and long-term relationships with communities.
Our vision
Our long-term ambition is to strengthen Malý Berlín as a key cultural actor in the region and a reliable partner in European cultural cooperation. We believe culture is not only about events, but about building connections, supporting independent voices and shaping the public space we share.