As part of the programme, the participating artists visited FunGlass in Trenčín, the Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín and the coordinating institution of GlaCerHub. The visit offered the artists an opportunity to learn more about current glass research, advanced technologies, and the possibilities of functional and specially designed glass materials.

At the same time, the exchange was mutual. FunGlass researchers gained insight into the practical needs, creative approaches, and challenges encountered by artists working with glass. Such encounters can help researchers better understand how glass is perceived and used beyond the laboratory and may open new perspectives for future research and innovation.

The programme at FunGlass included a presentation by Dagmar Galusková, Head of the Department of Glass Analytics, introducing the centre, its research activities, areas of expertise, and the work of its researchers. The artists then visited several laboratories, where they could see the facilities, meet researchers, and exchange ideas about glass, its properties, and its potential.

The visit continued at FabLab TNUNI, where the participants explored a range of technologies that could potentially complement and expand their creative work with glass. The combination of research laboratories, advanced technologies, and creative practice created a space for dialogue and the exchange of ideas across different fields.

The symposium also highlighted the role of RONA as an important industrial partner within the GlaCerHub ecosystem. Over the course of five days, the invited artists worked directly at the RONA glassworks together with experienced master glassmakers, developing new works through a combination of artistic ideas, traditional glassmaking skills, and hands-on experience with industrial glass production.

With part of the programme taking place in Trenčín, the symposium also formed part of the wider cultural context of Trenčín – European Capital of Culture 2026, with the support of Kreatívny inštitút Trenčín, an associated partner of GlaCerHub. It brought together the worlds of glass, research, industry, and creative practice in a setting that reflects the cultural and creative ambitions of the region.

Bringing artists, researchers, and industry professionals together reflects the broader ambition of GlaCerHub to foster collaboration across academia, industry, society, and the creative sector. The initiative contributes to an environment in which different forms of knowledge and expertise can meet, exchange ideas, and inspire new approaches to glass and glass-related innovation.

A selection of the works created during the symposium will be presented in an exhibition at the RONA Gallery. The exhibition opening will take place on Saturday (26.09.2026)  at 10:00 AM on the grounds of the Lednické Rovne manor house.

The International Glass Symposium thus offered more than an opportunity to create new artworks. It created a space for knowledge exchange between science, industry, and creative practice—bringing different perspectives on glass closer together.