Paintings of the National Gallery capturing the beauty of lakeside resort Bled are currently showcased along the Bled waterfront. The area has been a source of inspiration for numerous painters and is one of the most famous images of Slovenia.

Drago Jančar, arguably Slovenia's leading contemporary writer, formally received on Monday the Austrian State Prize for European Literature 2020. The life-time achievement award is awarded to writers with a strong international presence.

A festival starting on Monday evening will bring contemporary circus, an art form rarely seen in Slovenia, to Ljubljana this week. The 13th international Klovnbuf Festival will feature both Slovenian and foreign artists, and focus on the art of juggling, the organisers say.

Večer expressed concern about Slovenians' attitude to books in Monday's commentary, as it notes how book sales plunged during the coronavirus crisis, while library visits remain well below pre-corona levels even now.

The 31st Summer Puppet Pier will kick off at the Maribor Puppet Theatre (LGM) on Saturday, running until 31 August when a judging panel comprised entirely of children is set to select the best play. Slovenian independent puppeteers will be in focus of this international festival.

A dance production entitled Dance, No Goal by choreographer Carlota Mantecón will premiere at the Ljubljana Dance Theatre as well as in Tenerife on Friday evening. The international dance project explores societal relations towards ageing and movement. All the performers are aged above 65 and non-professional dancers.

The international music festival Glasbe sveta/Musiche dal mondo will kick off on Wednesday in Kromberk Castle near Nova Gorica. Running until 25 August, it will also feature several events in the nearby Italian town of Gorizia.