-
.
- Ελληνικά
With this announcement, the very important process for us for the next European Capital of Culture 2030 officially starts, i.e. the process through which the cities of Cyprus are invited to apply for the title "European Capital of Culture 2030".
The Deputy Ministry of Culture, acting as the National Managing Authority, today launches the first phase of the process, which is the Call for Applications.
This action is a European Union initiative which aims to highlight the richness and diversity, as well as the common cultural aspects in Europe, contributing to bringing its peoples closer together and improving mutual understanding.
In this context, the aim is, on the one hand, to preserve and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe, to highlight the common features they share and to strengthen citizens' sense of belonging to a common cultural area. On the other hand, to promote the contribution of culture to the long-term economic, social and urban development of cities, in accordance with their respective strategies and priorities. The principles and values that characterise the European ideal through the institution of the European Capital of Culture remain unchanged, just as the initiators of the institution, Melina Mercouri and Jacques Lang, as Ministers of Culture, had envisioned when they first promoted this idea.
Cyprus hosted this institution for the first time in 2017, with Paphos being the first city in Cyprus to receive the title of European Capital of Culture.
According to the timetable set out in the relevant EU decisions, the title of European Capital of Culture 2030 is awarded to one city in Cyprus, one city in Belgium and one city in a third country that is a candidate or potential candidate for EU membership.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture, as the competent managing authority, will be responsible for conducting the competition for the selection of the city of Cyprus, which will receive the title of European Capital of Culture for the year 2030. The whole process is organised in close cooperation with the European Commission.
On the website of the Ministry of State all interested parties can find the documents of the Call for Proposals, as well as the Rules of Procedure.
As the National Managing Authority we will also organise an Information Day on 29 January 2024 to provide more detailed information for cities interested in the title.
At this stage I will give a preliminary indication of some key provisions of the Call for Applications.
- This Call for Applications is addressed to the cities in Cyprus wishing to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Cities in their application may involve and have synergies with surrounding regions if they wish.
- Each application must be based on a cultural programme with a strong European dimension. The cultural programme must cover the year of the European Capital of Culture title and be created specifically for the title.
- Their programme must have a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term development of the city. In addition, cities must demonstrate that they have the support of local authorities and the capacity to implement the programme.
- The process will include two phases: the pre-selection phase and the selection phase. The pre-qualification phase, which starts today, will end on 13 December 2024 with the submission of proposals/applications by cities. The final selection phase is expected to be completed at the end of 2025, when it will be known who will be the title holder for the year 2030.
Dear all,
In closing, I would like to wish good luck to the cities in Cyprus that will compete for the title.
Winning the title of European Capital of Culture 2030 will be of enormous benefit to the place, but even more so to the winning city, offering it recognition and visibility, prospects for growth and progress.
I am sure that for the cities that choose to follow this path towards the title, the whole process will be a rich journey that will highlight the importance of culture in our lives and the essential role it plays in modern societies.
Thank you.
(EFYs/NG/NZ)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
