Leuven is running for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030, announced last Friday Denise Vandevoort (sp.a), responsible (alderman) for culture in the city. The European Capitals of Culture initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe. The cities that win the honor can offer a year of cultural events with a marked European dimension.
Vandevoort motivates Leuven’s candidacy by referring to the many cultural sites in the city and the cultural dynamics that Leuven has demonstrated over the last 10 years, citing several high-profile events such as the Utopia exhibitions in 2016 celebrating the 500th anniversary of the printing of Thomas More’s book with the same name.
Applications for 2030 must be submitted by 2024. A new framework includes a chronological list of member states that can host the title from 2020 until 2033. Six years before the title-year the selected host member states publish a call for applications, usually through their Ministry for Culture. Cities interested in participating in the competition must submit a proposal for consideration.
The 2017 European Capitals of Culture are Aarhus (Denmark) and Pafos (Cyprus).
The Brussels Times
