Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

In this program, we travel to Trenčín to explore two events that bring people together through storytelling and art. At Braided Stories, storytellers from around the world share folk tales and personal experiences of love, loss, alienation and belonging. Organised by Slovak storyteller Martina Jánošíková, the event reveals how stories can bridge cultural divides, connect people across generations and remind us of our shared humanity. We hear from storytellers Umi Sinha, Philippa and María Serrano, as well as Jánošíková herself, about the enduring power of storytelling and its role in a world where meaningful human connection can sometimes feel increasingly rare. We also visit The Thin Green Line, an exhibition curated by Slovak artist and teacher Otto Hudec that explores how art can raise awareness of environmental challenges and inspire change. Featuring artists from different countries and backgrounds, the exhibition brings together personal reflections, imagined futures and works that blur the boundaries between art and activism. We hear from artists including Diana Lelonek, Oliver Ressler and Cecylia Malik about their approaches to environmental issues, their work with communities and the role creativity can play in protecting the natural world. Together, the two events reveal how storytelling and art can do more than entertain: they can challenge perspectives, spark conversations and encourage us to see our connections to one another and the world around us.