On May 22, 2026, the Beskydy Mountains will become the center of a vital discussion on how to transform our region with intelligence and perspective. The inaugural Cérka Design Forum (CDF) goes beyond aesthetics — it will focus mainly on „designing the future,“ on the collaboration between municipalities, universities and top-tier companies on the CÉRKA project. For the general public, this is an extraordinary moment: the very first opportunity to enter the grounds of the former mine, explore its hidden corners, and soak in the atmosphere of a site destined for remarkable transformation.
The CDF serves as the strategic kick-off for the new innovation ecosystem, as well as a celebration of the work achieved so far and the official takeover of the former mine. The morning session is dedicated to invited guests and professionals. In the afternoon, the gates of Cérka open to the general public and the topic shifts to public space and architecture. You can look forward to icons such as David Vávra, Radovan Lipus or Petr Volf. Together we will look back on the history of the place, present current milestones of the project, and conclude the day with concerts and a celebration of what we have achieved as a community.
What to Expect?
- Designing the Future: Project presentation and panel discussions with leading experts, business leaders, and academics. Includes a press conference and ample networking opportunities.
- Architecture & Public Space: How can quality architecture transform a brownfield into a vibrant part of the community? What is visual smog and how does it affect our daily lives?
- Culture & Networking: Exhibition tours, meeting spaces, and an evening concert.
- Rising Stars & Leaders Expo: Presentations by ambassadors and companies already forming the entrepreneurial and technological backbone of Cérka.
- Gastro Zone: Local food trucks featuring specialties from regional businesses.
Featured Speakers
BLOCK: DESIGNING THE FUTURE
Aleš Cáb: Vice President of onsemi and Managing Director of ON Semiconductor Czech Republic; leader of one of Europe’s key technological manufacturing plants.
Michal Lorenc: Vice President of the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster and Research Manager at onsemi; a key expert bridging industry and science.
Radim Holiš: Governor of the Zlín Region (since 2020) and former Mayor of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.
BLOCK: ARCHITECTURE & PUBLIC SPACE
David Vávra: Renowned architect, actor, writer, and co-founder of the cult Sklep Theatre; expert on urban architecture and heritage.
Radovan Lipus: Renowned director and author of documentary series focused on cities and architecture.
Petr Volf: Renowned journalist and critic of art and architecture; expert on connecting design and visual culture.
Kamil Mrva: A prominent Czech architect known for contemporary structures that harmoniously blend with the Beskydy landscape.
Daniel Baroš: Architect at Henkai Architekti, focused on sustainable urban solutions and modern public spaces.
Radim Gálik: Mayor of Horní Bečva and Chairman of the Pustevny Fund; a long-term advocate for quality architecture in the landscape.
Practical Information
Date: May 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cérka Site (Former Frenštát Mine), Trojanovice
Schedule
MORNING SESSION: Designing the Future (9:00 – 12:00)
For professionals and invited guests | Registration required
- 9:30 AM – Opening and CÉRKA Project Presentation
- 10:00 AM – Panel Discussion: Designing the Future
- 11:30 AM – Press Conference and signing of the CÉRKA Innovation Partnership founding documents.
AFTERNOON SESSION: Public Space & Architecture (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- 1:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Public Space
- 3:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Architecture
- 5:00 PM – „Closing the Mine, Opening CÉRKA“: Public project presentation and a community „thank you“ for the transformation efforts.
EVENING SESSION: Concerts & Culture (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- 6:00 PM – Live performances by local bands (ZUŠ Frenštát) and film screenings about Trojanovice.
- 8:00 PM – Concert: RukyNaDudy (Archaic folk music with a world-music twist).
THROUGHOUT THE DAY:
- Gastro Zone
- Expo & Networking Zone for companies, innovators, and support organizations.