What does the European Capital of Culture title offer cities that have already been awarded it? How to build international partnerships and establish cooperation with regions? These were just some of the topics discussed during the Matrix/La Matrice conference held in September in Bourges, France – European Capital of Culture 2028.
The meeting welcomed delegates from over 35 cities, including 12 previous, current or soon-to-be Capitals of Culture, such as Nova Gorica and Gorizia, Oulu and Leuven. Representatives of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 were also among the guests.
The conference served as one of the elements in setting up the European Matrix – a network which has been created by Bourges 2028 that aims to connect European cities and facilitate their cooperation even after the ECoC celebrations have ended. Plans include, for example, joint artistic and cultural projects, study visits and the exchange of experience. A dedicated pavilion is scheduled to be constructed and opened in Bourges in 2028 – it will provide cities with space for showcasing their projects.
In addition, representatives of the European Commission outlined the plans for the next stage of the ECoC programme. Representatives of French cities, departments and regions then discussed possible forms of cooperation at national level. There was also an opportunity for shared reflection on the future of the European Capital of Culture initiative.
Bourges served also as a venue for intense working discussions and establishing cooperation with European Capitals of Culture. One of the key partners is Kiruna which will hold this title alongside Lublin in 2029.
The participants also examined existing cooperation networks, such as ECoC Echo, which currently brings together nine European Capitals of Culture and focuses on the exchange of hands-on experience and mutual support. There was also plenty of discussion about ideas that could be applied in Lublin.
The Matrix/La Matrice Conference took place from September 23rd to 25th, 2026, in Bourges, France.
Translated by: Zofia Świerszcz
Proofread by: Aleksandra Górecka
