Visual identity for European Capital of Culture 2026 — Candidacy for City of Žilina was a project that I collaborated on with my good friends and designers Marek Mati and Eva Mati, in creative collective called Altelier.

Tagline of the candidacy “Window of opportunities”, refers to NASA phrase indicating the spatial and temporal limitations for the launch of a rocket and the idea of a certain momentum which must be produced and sustained. Visual identity tries to convey this message by using simple geometric frame that works like a portal capturing our aim to offer multiple opportunities to citizens and local communities for participation. Abstract illustration of the sky and simple typography make it feel light, positive and promising.

In this selection I present the second bidbook that was delivered to international jury as well as special case made out of biomaterial from cellulose, developed by Eva. It points out Žilina’s industrial background and tradition in paper-making. Last part of the presentation is dedicated to exhibition we designed in the Rosenfeld Palace in Žilina that served as introduction to cooperation with the partner cities Frýdek-Místek, Bielsko-Biała and the whole Beskids Euroregion.

Photos: Marek and Eva Mati, EHMK Žilina 2026 archive