Lublin is a city with enormous cultural potential recognized in Poland and Europe. For years we have been creating an artistic environment based on our own resources, cooperation at the local, national and international levels. Our outlook on the East of Europe, above all on Ukraine and Belarus, which are close to us, has been pioneering, contributing to the creation of ties and networking that have resulted in many joint artistic projects.
We are aware of our strengths, our rich artistic life, wonderful festivals, internationally recognized theaters and unique galleries. On the other hand, we must also be aware of the civilizational and cultural changes that have taken place in recent years both in Poland and around the world. We are still feeling the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Across our eastern border, a war is being waged by Russia’s unprecedented, brutal aggression against Ukraine, which has made our country home to more than a million Ukrainian refugees. We are struggling with the diseases of civilization, the effects of climate change, and social changes. The new conditions are also a challenge for culture.
In applying for the title of European Capital of Culture, we want to meet the needs generated by the current geopolitical situation. We also want to find solutions to local problems. Once again, we want to arouse the emotions of the city’s residents, encourage them not only to participate in cultural life, but also to co-create it, imbuing it with their own content, dreams and hopes. Our goal is to create a new operating system for the culture of Lublin, which will emanate to other spheres of life. The system we will develop in preparation will help institutions, foundations and associations as well as ordinary residents.
For us, the European Capital of Culture is also a natural continuation of the holiday we are celebrating this year: European Youth Capital. The EMN is a program spread over three years. It has become a natural talent forge, giving young people a chance to actively co-create Lublin’s culture and social involvement. In 2029, it is they who will largely create the European Capital of Culture. They will become its managers, curators, artists and audiences.
We also know what a strong impetus for development for the city the title of European Capital of Culture is. It’s hundreds of events attracting thousands of tourists, huge promotion in Poland and around the world. It’s an increased opportunity to obtain European funds, which we will allocate to infrastructure development, pro-social and cultural activities.
We feel that our entry into the competition is inevitable. We believe we have a chance to win, and we realize that our very participation in the process changes the city, helps us rediscover it, diagnose its problems and find solutions. Even if we don’t win the title, participation in the competition will have a positive impact on the development of the city and the well-being of its residents.
