Collaborative productions, artists’ residencies and mutual support with organising festivals – this is how the cultural cooperation between Tilburg and Lublin could look like in the next few years. The representatives of both cities discussed reigniting the years-long relationship in the context of the Lublin’s preparations for the European Capital of Culture 2029 during a study visit to the Netherlands.
The Lublin delegation included representatives from the Culture Department of the Lublin City Office, the Lublin 2029 European Capital of Culture institution, the National Choreographic Centre, Galeria Labirynt, and Workshops of Culture. Over three days, they met with representatives of as many as 20 Dutch cultural organizations and institutions, as well as municipal authorities. They also attended performances at the Festival Circolo, which was taking place at the time.
Among the ideas put forward was cooperation between Lublin’s circus festivals and Festival Circolo in Tilburg, mutual exchanges, artistic residencies and other undertakings meant to increase the mutual curiosity of residents from Lublin and Tilburg.
Dance was one of the most discussed components. Thanks to the presence of the Fontys Academy, Tilburg has broad experience in interdisciplinary teaching in the fields of dance, circus arts and music. Lublin can benefit from gaining knowledge and learning from good practices in developing such an educational offer on its own.
Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that Tilburg has approx. 7 thousand Poles living in it. They form an ethnic minority in a city home to people from over 100 different countries. The common ground for our partners from Tilburg in this context is the slogan “RE:UNION”, which is the main idea for Lublin in 2029. It touches upon the subject of rebuilding and creating relationships despite barriers and between different communities.
Tilburg has to face similar challenges, while focusing on fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between its residents, who create a multicultural mosaic.
The visit to the Netherlands was organized with the key involvement of Joost Goutziers who is a cultural journalist, writer, and theatre critic. He has collaborated with Lublin for many years, leading dance criticism workshops during the International Dance Theatres Festival. Another crucial organiser, Paul Cornelissen, is a cultural advisor and manager with extensive experience in the creative sector.
Translated by: Gabriela Niewadzi
Proofread by: Aleksandra Górecka
