Lublin is one of the four cities shortlisted in the prestigious competition for the title of the European Capital of Culture 2029. A panel of international experts rated our city’s application as one of the best. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement. Winning the title, in turn, can result in a wide range of positive changes, bringing about cultural but also social and economic benefits for the city. So, what exactly is the European Capitals of Culture competition?
The idea was born 40 years ago in Greece. The European Capital of Culture year in subsequent European cities, intended to strengthen the integration of the European Union and to present the cultural achievements of the EU countries. Each European Capital of Culture prepares an annual programme that focuses on the culture-forming potential of the city, region, country, and its international and European contexts. So far, over 60 cities held the title, including two in Poland: Kraków in 2000 (in a non-competitive manner), Wrocław was chosen in a framework of the competition to host the European Capital of Culture in 2016.
At first, the European Capital of Culture title was awarded to large, recognizable cities with a rich, global, artistic life. Over time, the emphasis shifted to select cities with potential undiscovered in the international arena. This approach provides the cities with a great opportunity for promotion across Europe. Often it becomes the starting point for positive change, that residents feel long after the closing of the project.
The competition
The selection procedure takes place in two stages. All cities competing for the 2029 title had to submit their applications by September 15, 2023, for the pre-selection. The first, 60-page document outlines the organizational and financial possibilities of implementing the programme. The panel of international experts examined the applications and recommended a short list. The cities that advanced to the second stage of the competition are Lublin, Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, and Kołobrzeg. Selection of the ECoC will be based on the assessment of the revised applications, which are currently prepared, and the presentation of the shortlisted city. The applications should contain a full description of the programme proposals. The designated Capital of Culture for 2029 will be announced in September 2024.
The title European Capital of Culture is based on a rotation principle. The designated Polish city will hold it in 2029. The selection takes place five years before the start of the title year, followed by a multi-year preparation process.
