White paper on the future of the European Capitals of Culture presented in Chemnitz

Photo: Johannes Richter

The white paper "40 recommendations from 40 years of European Capitals of Culture" was presented in Chemnitz today, Friday. The paper, initiated by Chemnitz and Nova Gorica, the two European Capitals of Culture 2025, contains 40 concrete proposals that are to be incorporated into the redesign of the legal basis of the programme.

The white paper is based on a comprehensive study that summarises the findings of management and artistic directors from 64 past and future European Capitals of Culture. The study recommends adjustments in four key areas:

  • Strengthen European co-operation: The European dimension should be firmly anchored as a central selection criterion. A uniform branding is also proposed, supported by a mandatory but customisable European logo.
  • Simplify selection and monitoring processes: The bureaucratic burden for applicant cities is to be reduced. Instead of time-consuming on-site visits, a fact-based review process is recommended that enables a fair and transparent evaluation.
  • Ensure long-term implementation: The concepts formulated in the application book ("Bidbook") should represent binding obligations in future. In addition, a revision of the Melina Mercouri Prize is suggested so that Capitals of Culture receive financial support at an early stage. At the same time, national governments should be made more responsible for supporting winning cities in the realisation of the title year and the long-term legacy.
  • Sharing experiences better: A platform supported by the European Union should enable the exchange of best practice. There is also a call for bid books and evaluation reports to be made publicly available.

These recommendations were discussed intensively at the Europe-wide conference in Chemnitz on 4 April. They will now be forwarded to the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament in order to initiate the further reform process.

Comments on the white paper:

Dr Valentina Montalto, Scientific Director: "For me, as a research policy expert, it was a great honour and pleasure to contribute to the further development of this important initiative. I am particularly grateful to the cities of Chemnitz and Nova Gorica for this valuable experience and to the ECoC leaders who shared their passion, challenges and insights with us. This research should not only create visions for the future, but also initiate concrete changes. That's why the next steps are crucial - and we are counting on everyone's support to keep this extraordinary European project relevant and impactful."

Georg Häusler, Director for Culture at the European Commission: "For 40 years, the European Capitals of Culture have stood for building bridges and promoting our common European values, while showcasing the diversity and richness of our identities. I would like to thank and congratulate Chemnitz and Nova Gorica for continuing this legacy and producing such an insightful report on 40 years of European Capitals of Culture. I am convinced that this white paper will pave the way for shaping and developing the initiative beyond 2033."

Sven Schulze, Lord Mayor of Chemnitz: "The brilliant opening of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 has shown the power and enthusiasm that this programme can generate for cities and their development. But the long-term success of a Capital of Culture lies in its legacy, its impact far beyond the title year. With this white paper, we are providing an impetus to actively shape the future of the European Capitals of Culture and strengthen their impact in the long term."

Samo Turel, Mayor of Nova Gorica: "In the year of the European Capital of Culture title, Nova Gorica, together with Gorizia and Chemnitz, carries a responsible message of democracy, coexistence and friendship. At a time when Europe is questioning its security and future, it is essential that the Capitals of Culture are places of historical memory. Our experience shows that the world can only exist as a multilateral space based on the rule of law, human rights and democracy. Many of our cultural programmes reflect this commitment. I am particularly pleased that our cities have jointly initiated a research project on the 40-year history of the European Capitals of Culture, which will provide valuable insights for the future."

Chemnitz White Paper - 40 recommendations for the future

The white paper will be presented at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday 13 May at 7.30 pm. Dr Valentina Montalto, Scientific Director and Ph.D., Professor of Cultural Economics and Policy, will present the white paper, accompanied by the Mayor of Chemnitz, Sven Schulze, and the management of Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH, Andrea Pier and Stefan Schmidtke. The event is being organised in cooperation with Members of the European Parliament from Slovenia and Saxony. The programmes of the European Capitals of Culture 2025, Chemnitz and Nova Gorica, will also be presented there. Panel discussions will provide an opportunity to discuss the future development of the European Capitals of Culture programme.

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