The diploma thesis focuses on the building and sustainability of communities in the cultural sector. Specifically on an analysis of the potential of the alumni network of the RUNWAY Culture Professionals educational program, which was created as part of Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture. It examines how this program contributes to the formation of professional and interdisciplinary connections among cultural workers in Slovakia and whether these connections persist after its completion. Based on the collected data, it identifies factors influencing the sustainability of the community and presents proposals for its further development beyond 2026.
The theoretical part addresses the issue of community building and its functioning within a broader social context. It is based on the concepts of social and cultural capital and explores the ways in which relationships between actors within communities are formed, sustained, and transformed. It also focuses on connecting individuals through networking activities and on the potential of alumni networks as a tool for maintaining and developing professional relationships in the context of cultural policies and programs such as the European Capital of Culture.
The practical part builds on the theoretical framework and is based on qualitative research conducted by the author with graduates of the RUNWAY program, carried out using biographical walking interviews approximately 18 months after the course. The data are analysed through inductive thematic analysis, focusing on the development of professional relationships, their maintenance, and the factors influencing their continuity. Based on the findings, the thesis proposes a specific project design – a model of an alumni network that responds to identified needs and supports the long-term functioning of the community.
