ESK

Local-SoMe’25 in Wrocław is the only event in Poland entirely dedicated to effective local government communication, and centered on the question, “How to communicate in a way that is meaningful and effective?” The Congress’s structure reflected the actual communication cycle: from the birth of an Idea, through Content and Publication, to Interaction, Reception, and Analysis.

Lublin 2029 RE:UNION was actively represented during the panel titled “Talking about culture to make it visible and memorable.” The discussion focused on the challenges cultural institutions with limited budgets and resources face when promoting their activities. Among the participants was Małgorzata Drozd-Domaciuk, who is involved in communication for ECoC Lublin 2029 and the Centre for Culture in Lublin.

During the Congress, speakers emphasized that in a world where being active on social media has become a must, simply “being there” is no longer enough. Communication cannot be merely aesthetic; it must also be clear and strategic rather than chaotic. It has to build relationships and start with a understanding of why we communicate, and who we are communicating to. One of the key topics was the need to break away from excessive formality in communication. In order to make notices and announcements sound less official, it is necessary to leave behind “official language” in favour of a more engaging way of speaking.

The Congress called for public institutions to communicate local issues “simply, accurately and with local energy”. Every city has its own authentic atmosphere – its own Idea. For Lublin 2029, this Idea is expressed through the slogan RE:UNION, symbolising the reunion of people, institutions and values. It is a response to the crisis of relationships and hope. In line with the values of the Union of Lublin – “Free with the free, equal with the equal” – Lublin manifests that culture can serve as a bridge rather than a barricade.
The European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 (RE:UNION) is a project aimed at rebuilding social and digital ties. Culture is a strategic instrument of change here, which squares with the European Union’s understanding of culture being the foundation of public life.

Another important part of the discussion was the role of interaction, as demonstrated by the “3000 Dreams” phenomenon. Lublin’s approach to its competition application started with listening to its residents. Inviting people to share visions of Lublin in 2029 resulted in over 3,000 ideas which inspired a 100-page bid book. The most common dreams and expectations were free cultural education for children and teenagers, a green city and international events.
This process became an example of communication based on dialogue and co-creation. Lublin 2029 perceives the ECoC as a laboratory for change, and a commitment in which communication is to genuinely support long-term goals, such as doubling participation in culture and providing free cultural education.

Translated by: Aleksandra Górecka
Proofread by: Zofia Świerszcz

Lublin 2029 is not only about the events – it is also thorough research and the reflection on the future of the city and its community.

Last week, members of the Lublin 2029 Monitoring and Evaluation Team took part in the Monitor 2024 conference in Bodø, which summarised the experiences of the first arctic European Capital of Culture. The #Bodo2024 analysis conducted by the Nord University under the direction of Anatoli Bourmistrov is one of the most methodologically reliable studies in this field, combining Theory of Change, Social Return on Investment (SROI) and an innovative model of economic scenarios.

We have to give huge credit to Bodø for the flexible and multi-level approach – that is creating a social jury and a digital twin of the city as well as using the data consciously, and presenting the results in a credible manner. The narrative did not only emphasize the success – both positive changes and more challenging aspects of the process were showed. The conference served as a reminder about the difficulties that the local communities face – from the symbolic inclusivity during mega-events to infrastructural gaps for the artists and the audience. Articulating these needs shows that most of the ECoC cities face similar problems, and are not immune from criticism. Despite the complexity of the processes, the ECoC cities are not afraid to make bold decisions.

Moreover, experts highlighted that one of the biggest challenges for the development of the Arctic and Subarctic regions are the demographic changes, such as youth migration, aging society, the growth of large municipalities and the decline of small towns. At the same time, it has been observed that investing in culture increases the community’s resilience, even if the impact of culture takes time to be accurately assessed. Thanks to the observations gathered by the researchers from different ECoC cities: Umeå 2014, Tartu 2024 and also Oulu 2026 – the next year’s European Capital of Culture – we were able to hear the conclusions of research, which will be incredibly useful for further study. Special thanks go to Valentina Montalto for reminding the key guide principles from the White Paper: Europe is everything you do, celebrate what you change and keep your promises.

Marta Ryczkowska

ranslated by: Gabriela Niewadzi

Proofread by: Zofia Świerszcz

This is the only library of its kind in Lublin, and now its collection has grown by more than 100 new titles in their original languages! On 6 November 2025, Petr Vlček, President of EUNIC and Director of the Czech Centre in Warsaw, together with Martin van Dijk, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, visited Lublin. The meeting, held at the Baobab Intercultural Integration Centre, was also attended by Mariusz Banach, Deputy Mayor of Lublin, representatives of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 , as well as officials from the Department of Culture and the International Cooperation Center of the City of Lublin.

This important donation marks one of the first outcomes of the cooperation launched during the EUNIC delegation’s visit to Lublin in June 2025. On the invitation of the Mayor, representatives of European national cultural institutes visited institutions and spaces connected with RE:UNION (Read more). During that visit, we also began discussions about joint projects and initiatives as part of the preparations for the title year. Today, over 100 new publications have been added to the collection of the multicultural library run by Yaryna Posuniak. Books in many European languages will become part of the open reading space serving the residents of Lublin as well as people arriving from various parts of the world.

EUNIC – the European Union National Institutes for Culture – is a network of national cultural institutes of the EU Member States, promoting cooperation in the fields of cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue. For many years, Lublin has maintained active relations with institutes affiliated with EUNIC, which has enabled the city to present numerous high-quality artistic and educational projects. Joint initiatives with EUNIC partners regularly feature in the programmes of Lublin’s festivals and cultural institutions. The title of European Capital of Culture 2029 opens new opportunities for cooperation. Together with the Warsaw EUNIC Cluster, we are developing new forms of partnership that will make it possible to draw on the experience and expertise of European cultural institutions in preparing for the title year. In the years to come, further joint initiatives will be carried out by the City of Lublin, Lublin’s cultural institutions, local NGOs, and EUNIC. Their goal is to develop the ideas embodied in the RE:UNION motto of Lublin 2029 – European Capital of Culture, to foster intercultural dialogue, and to highlight the importance of culture in shaping our shared European future.

Two intense days filled with conversations about creativity, collaboration, and the future of cities are behind us. At Tytonie.art, people who bring culture to life in their cities every day came together – from Gdańsk and Kraków to Tartu, Oulu, and Novi Sad. During the conference organized by the Incubator of the Lublin Creative District, we discussed how creative districts are formed and how they operate – spaces where art, business, and community begin to speak the same language.

There were presentations, panels, meetings, and plenty of questions: How can we revitalize post-industrial spaces without losing their spirit? How do we create places that are both artistically vibrant and economically sustainable? How can we build networks of cooperation between cities, institutions, and creators?

Representatives of remarkable initiatives from across Europe joined us: 100cznia and Grid Art Hub from Gdańsk, Dzielnica Wesoła from Kraków, Fabryka Sztuki from Łódź, Aparaaditehas from Tartu, Creative Industry Košice, Pikisaari from Oulu, DEPO2015 from Pilsen, Novi Sad 2022, and Centrul Cultural PLAI from Romania. Together with the teams from Tytonie.art, the Centre for Culture in Lublin, the Institute of Creative Industries, and representatives of the cities of Lublin and Warsaw, we explored how to translate these experiences into the local context.

The takeaways? Creative districts are not projects to be “completed,” but processes to be nurtured. Success happens where different sectors – public, private, and social – come together. The most inspiring things happen when space is left for co-creation.

Alongside the conference, there were creative fairs, exhibitions, a performative vernissage, and a mural documenting the event in real time. There was also time for networking and an afterparty – because conversations about creativity flow best with good music and a relaxed atmosphere.

And this is just the beginning – the Incubator of the Lublin Creative District is just getting started. We’ll keep connecting people and ideas, creating space for dialogue and experimentation.

On 18–19 September in Tartu (Estonia), a special edition of the Kultuurikompass Forum took place, dedicated to summarising the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024. The meeting brought together experts, cultural operators, and representatives of cities from across Europe to jointly analyse the experiences, successes, and challenges related to the implementation of the ECoC programme.

During the forum, speakers discussed key figures and how they translated into the real experiences of residents and audiences. Numbers took on a concrete, tangible form, allowing everyone to see the real impact of long-term activities. Participants pointed out both moments of brilliance and weak points of the project: what worked well and what lessons need to be learned.

The debates touched upon the question of how to measure the immeasurable – whether it is possible to capture the true impact of culture and the social transformations it brings. Dr Beatriz Garcia, an expert in research on mega-events (such as the Olympic Games) and on urban regeneration through culture, as well as a long-standing member of the European Capitals of Culture panel, spoke about the ongoing process that every European Capital of Culture sets in motion. Legacy is a phenomenon that lasts for years. The title is not a prize for a city but a catalyst for change.

The conference innovatively demonstrated how data flows seamlessly into stories we share in the form of narratives, anecdotes, and recommendations. There was also no shortage of discussions about the future of Tartu and Southern Estonia – how to sustain the synergy, creativity, and collaboration initiated by the European Capital of Culture.

The conference became an important space for reflection on the legacy of Tartu 2024 and an inspiration for other cities and regions (especially in Northern Europe) preparing to take on the role of European Capital of Culture. The culmination of the evaluation of Tartu 2024 is an impressive bilingual publication in Estonian and English, The Story of Survival.

Marta Ryczkowska

Lublin 2029 took part in the first monitoring meeting organised by the European Commission. Our team presented the current “state of play” of the Lublin 2029 RE:UNION programme, outlining each initiative in detail and reporting on the overall progress towards the title year to the European Capitals of Culture Expert Panel.

We began our meeting by expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support we have received from colleagues across other ECoCs in the face of recent events connected with Russia’s aggression and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. When Russian drones intrude into our skies, it becomes even more evident that we must remain united to withstand this attack on freedom, democracy, and the very values that define who we are. The RE:UNION we are striving for is needed now more than ever. Solidarity is a necessity.

The meeting marked an important milestone in our journey. After preparing a report that summed up nearly a year of work since Lublin was awarded the title, we were eager to share our achievements, present future plans, and answer questions to provide a clear and comprehensive picture of our readiness. We now look forward to receiving the Panel’s valuable recommendations, which will further guide and strengthen our work.

Our presentation highlighted the development of the cultural programme and the European dimension. It included monitoring and evaluation policies, management structures, communication strategies, and financial planning. We also addressed the challenges we have encountered along the way, as well as each of the recommendations set out in the selection report.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the European Commission and the Panel of Experts for their thoughtful questions, encouraging words, and constructive feedback. Their guidance will be an important compass as we continue to build deeper, more sustainable collaborations on the road to the title year. Our aims remain unchanged, the obligations we have undertaken still stand. Lublin 2029 RE:UNION.

Lublin 2029 was represented by:
Beata Stepaniuk-Kuśmierzak, Deputy Mayor of the City of Lublin for Culture, Sports and Participation
Rafał Koziński, Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of the City of Lublin for the ECoC Programme
Magdalena Zaręba-Opalińska, Director of the Department of Culture of the city of Lublin
Paweł Potoroczyn, CEO of the Lublin 2029 European Capital of Culture Institution
Sir Jonathan Mills , designated Artistic Director of Lublin 2029 European Capital of Culture
Professor Agnieszka Kolasa-Nowak, Head of the Independent Monitoring and Evaluation Team
Izabela Śliwa, Deputy Director for Artistic and Programme Affairs at the Centre for Culture in Lublin, Curator of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 Programme
Paweł Hadrian, Curator of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 Programme
Maciej Rukasz, European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 International Relations Manager

Traditionally, at the beginning of September, the annual ECoC Family Meeting takes place, announcing the upcoming European Capitals of Culture. This time we met in Oulu, in northern Finland — a city renowned for its technology (home of Nokia), living labs, numerous start-ups, closeness to nature, and the oldest tar-scented sauna, which the city was famous for over decades. Oulu and Trenčín (Slovakia) presented the main concepts of their European Capital of Culture 2026 programmes. The Oulu team spoke about the richness of Northern culture, drawing on their bid’s central theme “Cultural Climate Change.” Trenčín presented its vision under the motto “Awakening Curiosity,” promoting sustainable and innovative solutions, the revitalisation of forgotten places, and the blending of tradition with modernity. Oulu created excellent conditions for exploration and reflection. We had the opportunity to visit sites that will host events during the title year. On Pikisaari Island, in wooden houses and former industrial facilities, a cultural district is emerging with studios, cafés, and galleries.

Oulu is also home to the first modernist industrial building by Alvar and Aino Aalto — the AaltoSiilo — now being adapted for exhibition purposes. Since 2020, this unique structure has undergone a series of interventions and has been recognised as a symbol of Finland’s (and Europe’s) socio-industrial evolution. Next to it, mobile workshops are being developed.

In addition to exploring places, we also had the chance to listen to important presentations and discussions. Christine Dietrich spoke about the Karlspreis International Prize, awarded annually in Aachen to individuals and institutions for their contributions to European unity and democracy, highlighting it as another platform for cooperation between ECoC cities. Vappu Renko from the Cupore Research Centre in Helsinki presented on monitoring the indicators of Oulu2026 and on culture as a place maker. We also took part in a lively debate with Sjoerd Bootsma (Leeuwarden 2018), Beatriz Garcia (European Capitals of Culture Research Programme) and Stanislav Krajči (Trenčín 2026) on culture as a space-maker and the role of the city as both backdrop and active participant in cultural events.

As always, the ECoC Family Meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and inspirations, and to build networks of cooperation between cities and institutions across Europe.

Marta Ryczkowska, program curator

The Sztukmistrze Foundation has been building an international network of partnerships for many years, developing the idea of Contemporary Circus – one of the pillars of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 RE:UNION program.

We seek inspiration in places where circus is part of everyday life. One such city is Galway, Ireland, ECoC 2020, where Community Circus, in cooperation with the University of Galway, conducts research on the impact of circus activities on the development of children, young people, and adults. As Lynn Carroll, Executive Director of Galway Community Circus, emphasizes: “The impact of circus on development is not emotional storytelling – it’s a concept based on scientific research.”

At the invitation of EYCO (European Youth Circus Organisation), the foundation took part in the NICE meeting, where educational circus practices from all over Europe and the world were discussed. In July 2025, representatives of the foundation participated in the “Bridges for Youth” project in Bremen – a unique international exchange involving young people from five countries. This is another step towards building bridges and strengthening Lublin’s position as a European hub for contemporary circus.

We were also present in August at the European Juggling Convention in Arnhem (Netherlands) – the largest gathering of jugglers and circus artists in Europe. Workshops, shows, joint trainings, and the unforgettable atmosphere – all this gives us the energy to keep moving forward. Let us remind you – Lublin has already hosted the EJC three times, and the Sztukmistrze Foundation is working to bring it back to our city in 2029!

The “Grodzka Gate – NN Theatre” Centre in Lublin, as part of its preparatory work for the project “The City’s Tale”, has created a detailed program structure entitled “The Circles of the Gate Theatre”. This structure is the result of intensive conceptual work and expert consultations carried out both with local creative communities and with national and international partners. The developed concept of the “Circles of the Gate Theatre” responds to the program assumptions outlined in the winning application Lublin 2029 European Capital of Culture RE:UNION, while also developing and concretizing the core ideas contained in that document.

The three key circles of the program—“Theatre of Imagination”, “Theatre of Memory”, and “Theatre of Freedom”—are distinct yet interconnected modules for implementing the “City’s Tale” project. Each circle is based on different aspects of Lublin’s identity and European history, engaging participants in reflection on cultural heritage, shared experiences, and contemporary challenges.

Below is a detailed description of each of the three circles within the project.

1. Circles of the Gate Theatre. The City’s Tale – Theatre of Imagination

The Theatre of Imagination casts new light on Lublin’s centuries-old history, taking audiences on a journey from its legendary origins to the dramatic events of World War II. The Underground Route invites visitors to explore the city’s evolution across the centuries, revealing its birth, growth, and pivotal moments. The Cellar under Fortuna immerses visitors in the daily life of former townspeople. Meanwhile, the Imaginarium Theatre unveils the mystical Lublin, introducing the world of legends and stories rooted in local tradition and culture.

All these spaces combine historical facts with elements of storytelling and interactive experiences, stimulating imagination and provoking deeper reflection on the past and its impact on the present. This is a platform for new projects aimed at activating the local community and promoting cultural heritage, encouraging dialogue on identity, social change, and the future of Lublin.

2. Circles of the Gate Theatre. The City’s Tale – Theatre of Memory

This project, centered around the Grodzka Gate, takes participants deep into one of the most tragic chapters of Lublin’s history—the Holocaust of Polish Jews. Its aim is not only to commemorate the victims but also to foster understanding and reflection on the mechanisms of evil. By focusing on the universal message of the dangers of totalitarianism, hate speech, and war, it encourages comprehension of the complex history of the city and its inhabitants.

The initiative employs modern educational methods, blending traditional narrative techniques with contemporary technologies. Through multimedia presentations, artistic installations, and interactive workshops, it enables audiences to experience history in an engaging, emotional, and empathetic way. At the same time, the project creates space for dialogue and discussion on Lublin’s difficult heritage, encouraging its residents to develop a personal connection with history and its influence on the identity of contemporary society.

3. Circles of the Gate Theatre. The City’s Tale – Theatre of Freedom

Implemented at the House of Words, this project is inspired by Lublin’s difficult history after World War II. It focuses on unlocking the potential of free speech as a tool for defending democracy, promoting social responsibility, and building civil society.

Through a wide variety of activities—exhibitions, performances, literary workshops, and public debates—the project reflects the power of resistance against totalitarianism, the struggle for human rights, and the defense of the most vulnerable.

The project places strong emphasis on education through art, engaging both the local community and international audiences in interactive experiences that provoke reflection on the past, present, and future. The House of Words becomes a place where freedom of speech is not only commemorated but actively practiced. It is a space where stories from the past inspire action in the present, reminding us of the importance of active participation in public life and the defense of democratic values.

The project comprehensively fulfills the goals of the European Capital of Culture related to promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding in Europe. A key aspect of the Centre’s activities is creating space for open reflection on Lublin’s multicultural heritage and Europe’s shared experiences, particularly through an in-depth analysis of Polish-Jewish relations, commemoration of the Jewish community’s history, as well as counteracting antisemitism, racism, and ethnic prejudice.

Would you like me to make this translation more formal (for an EU/official project document), or keep it in a more accessible, cultural-promotion style for a wider audience?