PQ Symposium: Performing Exhibitions 2026 – Prague, Czechia
Overview
The PQ Symposium: Performing Exhibitions 2026 is a premier international gathering hosted by the Prague Quadrennial, the world’s largest festival dedicated to scenography and performance design. Taking place at the ARCHA+ theatre in the heart of Prague, this three-day event serves as a critical intellectual bridge leading up to the main 16th edition of the Quadrennial in 2027. The symposium brings together over sixty speakers from across six continents to investigate the evolving relationship between contemporary scenography, curatorial studies, and the act of exhibiting performance.
The 2026 edition specifically explores the theme of curating scenographies, examining how the ephemeral nature of performance can be captured and displayed within a gallery or museum context. Attendees will engage with diverse topics ranging from the use of digital technologies and multisensory exhibition practices to perspectives that move beyond human-centric design. A major highlight includes the keynote presentation by renowned French scenographer and exhibition architect Clémence Farrell, who will discuss immersion as a dynamic strategy for social and political engagement in modern design.
Structured as a series of presentation blocks, discussion panels, and networking sessions, the symposium offers a deep dive into the “living archive” of performance art. It provides a rare platform for artists and researchers to reflect on how national identities are represented through scenographic memory. By hosting the event in the versatile and historically significant ARCHA+ theatre, the Prague Quadrennial continues its legacy of fostering global dialogue and pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a performance space in the twenty-first century.
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Event Highlights
- Keynote by Clémence Farrell: Learn from a world-leading exhibition architect about the power of immersion and multisensory design in global museum and gallery projects.
- Global Expert Panels: Engage with more than sixty international speakers discussing the cutting edge of digital scenography, embodied interaction, and curatorial innovation.
- Collaborative Networking: Participate in evening networking parties and dedicated debate sessions with the Prague Quadrennial international curatorial team.
- Live Scenographic Debates: Witness critical conversations regarding the 2027 theme of Absences and Silences and its impact on the future of performance design.
Why Attend
This symposium is an essential event for scenographers, curators, performance artists, and researchers who want to stay at the forefront of their field. It offers a unique opportunity to gain professional insights into the curatorial processes of the Prague Quadrennial, one of the most influential cultural institutions in the world. Attendees will benefit from the high-level academic and artistic exchange, gaining new perspectives on how to exhibit performance art and utilize technology to create meaningful audience experiences.
The event is ideal for those looking to expand their professional network within the global theatre and arts community. Beyond the lectures, the symposium provides a practical roadmap for participating in the upcoming 2027 Quadrennial, including Q&A sessions with the organizing team. Whether you are a student seeking inspiration or an established practitioner looking to challenge your creative boundaries, the PQ Symposium offers the tools and connections necessary to thrive in the evolving landscape of contemporary performance design.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: April 13 to April 15, 2026
- Event Duration: 3 days
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Participation is managed through a mandatory online accreditation process via the official Eventival platform.
- Admission Type: General accreditation is required for all in-person attendees to access the symposium sessions and networking events.
- Ticket Pricing: Free Admission is offered to all accredited participants, though registration is required due to limited venue capacity.
- Special Seating Options: The ARCHA+ theatre provides flexible, multi-functional seating arrangements that include accessible spots for visitors with mobility requirements.
- VIP Options: While the event is free, registered delegates gain exclusive access to the specialized Q&A sessions with the international curatorial team.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Prague, Czechia
- Venue Name: ARCHA+ Theatre
- Google Maps Address: Na Poříčí 1047/26, 110 00 Florenc, Czechia
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Contact Information
- Email: info@pq.cz
- Phone Number: +420 224 809 118
- Official Website: https://pq.cz/pq2027/symposium-performing-exhibitions-curating-scenographies/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/praguequadrennial/
- https://www.facebook.com/pquadrennial
- https://www.youtube.com/user/PragueQuadrennial
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/praguequadrennial/albums
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague is approximately 15 kilometers away from the city center venue.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: The Masarykovo nádraží train station and the Náměstí Republiky metro station are both within a 5-minute walk.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The Bílá labuť tram stop is located just 2 minutes from the theatre entrance and serves multiple central lines.
- Parking Availability: Public underground parking is available at the nearby Palladium shopping center and the Kotva department store.
- Directions by Car: The venue is located in Prague 1 and is accessible via the main Wilsonova thoroughfare, though public transport is highly recommended.
What is this event?
The PQ Symposium is a major international meeting of theatre professionals, designers, and scholars focused on the art of scenography. It serves as a preliminary curatorial event that sets the stage for the massive Prague Quadrennial festival held every four years.
This specific edition investigates how to curate and exhibit performance-based art in a way that remains engaging and relevant. It features a mix of academic papers, artistic presentations, and practical workshops led by global experts.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it offers a rare chance to interact directly with the curators of the world’s most prestigious scenography festival. It is known for its high level of intellectual rigor combined with a welcoming, artist-led atmosphere.
Artists and designers from dozens of countries attend to share their work and discover new trends in immersive and digital design. Its location in Prague, a historic hub of theatre architecture, adds a significant layer of cultural appeal for international visitors.
Attendee Experiences
- Being in a room with so many creative minds from around the world really opened my eyes to new ways of designing spaces.
- The keynote was incredibly inspiring and made me rethink how I use technology to tell stories in my own work.
- I loved the relaxed vibe of the networking party where I could just chat with the festival curators about my ideas.
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FAQ's
Do I need to be a professional designer to attend the symposium?
The symposium is open to everyone including students, educators, researchers, and any members of the public interested in performance design and curatorial practices. While the content is specialized, the discussions are designed to be inclusive and accessible to anyone with a passion for contemporary art and theatre.
Is there a fee to register for the accreditation?
The Prague Quadrennial currently offers accreditation for this international symposium for free, provided that you register in advance through their official digital platform. Due to the limited capacity of the ARCHA+ theatre halls, it is highly recommended to complete your registration as early as possible before the deadline.
Will the symposium be available to watch online?
A majority of the program blocks and keynote presentations are typically live-streamed for those who cannot travel to Prague in person. Online access usually requires the same free registration process, and recordings of the sessions are often made available to registered participants for a limited time after the event.
What language will the symposium sessions be conducted in?
The official language of the symposium is English to accommodate the diverse range of international speakers and attendees participating from over sixty different countries. While some local sessions may involve Czech contributors, the core program and all major keynote speeches will be presented or translated into English.
Can I present my own research at the event?
The call for papers for the 2026 symposium typically closes several months before the event, with the program being finalized by February. If you missed the deadline for this session, you can still attend as a delegate and participate in the various open discussion blocks and Q&A sessions with the presenters.
