Created in 1985 by the Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri and that of France, Jack Lang, the “European Capital of Culture” label aims to designate, for a period of one year, a host city responsible for organizing a program of cultural events in order to “promote the cultural richness of Europe across the continent” as the website of the Ministry of Culture reminds us.
Each year, depending on the editions, two or three cities from different countries are designated. France was chosen by the European Union to host this label in 2028. Two other cities, one Czech, the other from another country that is not a member of the European Union, will complete this list.
Did you know ? Since its creation, France has been designated four times. Among the cities that have won this title are Paris (1989), Avignon (1999), Lille (2004) and Marseille (2013).
4 French cities in the running
For this 43e edition, 4 French cities are in the running to become “European Capital of Culture” in 2028. These are Bourges (Cher), Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme), Montpellier (Hérault) and Rouen (Seine- Maritime).
Selected by a jury made up of twelve experts appointed by the European Union and the Ministry of Culture, these finalists will still have a few months to refine their dossier. Through their candidatures, the cities in competition must promote their cultural dynamism and their historical heritage by organizing exhibitions, festivals and other cultural events. The program proposed by each municipality must also be part of a strong European dimension, which must be reflected in the themes addressed and result in the participation of artists and cultural operators from different countries. Finally, the last selection criterion: the involvement of the local population and civil society in the preparation of the projects.
Did you know ? Initially, 9 cities had applied for this title. Among the cities not selected are Amiens, Bastia, Nice, Reims and Saint-Denis.
Why participate?
In addition to the 1.5 million euros received, the expected benefits for a European Capital of Culture are numerous:
- strengthening international cultural influence;
- enhancement of the image of the city with the inhabitants;
- strengthening the capacities, visibility and wealth of the cultural and artistic sector;
- promoting awareness and access to culture for all audiences;
- stimulation of cultural tourism.
When will we have the final verdict?
The European Capital of Culture 2028 will be known at the end of 2023, after a final review of all applications by the Ministry of Culture.
To decide between them, the four finalists must by November “present a detailed program, refine their budget, confirm the commitment of their potential partners, present the monitoring process for their project and ensure the mobilization of their citizens and minorities. of their territory” specifies the president of the jury, Rosella Tarantino.
So, which winner will succeed Liepāja (Latvia) and Évora (Portugal), European capitals in 2027? Answer within a few months!
LR