ESK

A final conference summarising the CCPMT project was organised by the following European cultural institutions: Marcel Hicter Association in Brussels, the University of Barcelona, Goten Publishing in Skopje and the Villa Decius Institute for Culture in Cracow. The conference was dedicated to summarising the project and analysing the importance of international cultural cooperation. However, particular attention was devoted to difficulties in funding culture by the European Union, the lack of a clear EU cultural policy, and the impact of the financial crisis on both state and regional budgets.

During the conference, an educational game called “Oracle” was presented. It was created by the experts from the University of Barcelona, Marcel Hicter Association, and Goten Publishing. University students, academics, and culture management specialists were the target audience of this game. The participants played the roles of international consortium members completing a cultural project, which allowed them to develop their management competencies, soft skills, and ability to work in an international team. The game’s plot was inspired by European cultural heritage, Greek mythology in particular.

The game, although interesting, engaging, and enjoyable, required some refinement. The game’s summary provided valuable insights into challenges and hazards which were usually prevalent when working on major cultural projects.
A panel discussion, “International Collaborations in the Field of Culture: State of Art, Perspectives, and Opportunities”, has shown how pessimistic the state of European culture and its prospects for international cooperation look like. It was highlighted that the involvement of the EU in cultural funding was insufficient, the requirements for grant recipients were extremely high, and the range of available grant programmes remained limited. On the other hand, the intellectual value of international cooperation, exchange of experiences, and overcoming cultural barriers was indicated.
The discussion led to the conclusion that the EU was focused on allocating money for the sake of defence rather than culture. The conference revealed both problems and prospects of international cultural cooperation. Also, the “Oracle” game presentation proved to be a valuable learning experience for the participants.

A historic moment is now behind us – the opening of the first cross-border European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica – Gorizia. It was culture and art that have united the cities which have been divided since 1947. The border seems to be non-existent, although everyone knows that this work towards this state has already taken and will take many more years.

The inauguration ceremony took place on both sides of the border: in Nova Gorica and Gorizia, culminating in Europe Square, where speeches were given by Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and others. Then, in the very centre of Nova Gorica, on Edvard Kardelj Square, an artistic performance took place, which was commenced by Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob. It featured, among others, Dunking Devils, Duo Silence, Alexander Gadjiev, Giuseppe Guarrera, Bor Zuljan, MRFY, Laibach, and the finale was a joint performance of the piece Skupaj/Insieme by opera soloists, the Borderless Opera Choir and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra. The event was directed by Neda Rusjan Bric, the set and visuals were prepared by Marco Juratovec and Den Baruca, and Matea Benedetti took care of the costumes. The show was a multidimensional story about complex history, identity, the enchanting nature, and its city-forming role. It was filled with scenes full of intriguing traditions, quality entertainment, and bold contemporary art. Late in the evening, the audience enjoyed a cross-border party featuring Daddy G (Massive Attack), Andy Smith (Portishead), and Brina Knauss. The stage was located right on the border, with the more lively dancers crossing it hundreds of times during the night. The entire event was broadcast live on Slovenian and Italian television.

Two cities, one in Slovenia and the other in Italy, are today a symbol of a united Europe. A place that has been divided by borders and conflicts many times, is now united by the title of European Capital of Culture and the dream of a common future built on peace, freedom and equality.
“Two cities, two nations, one capital of culture, one united Europe,” said Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia. “We are all united by the idea of ​​Europe, which grew on the ideas of community, unity and development. Our message is based on the common dreams of all Europeans. Here, where rivers of blood once flowed, we now say that together we can overcome hatred for a common future. Today we say this together to all of Europe. We celebrate the culture that unites us all, motivates us to take action, and is a source of inspiration. Two Gorizias – one city. Many nations – one Europe”.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar stressed: “Europe and the world seem to be at a crossroads of values, but we cannot forget the past when planning the future. Nova Gorica, going hand in hand with neighbouring Gorizia, takes on the honour and challenge of being the European Capital of Culture as a unique entity – aware of its history, but above all responsible for the common future.”

Italian President Sergio Mattarella added: “Being the first cross-border European Capital of Culture means having the courage to bring light and faith to the future of the world at a time when adversity, uncertainty and fears are spreading. This is the day of a vision that has evolved over the centuries – a vision of peace, coexistence and joint development. This is the day when we show that culture is the answer to divisions, and that openness and cooperation are our greatest strength.”

Two Gorizias – one city. Many nations – one Europe. This unique place on the map proves that culture can be the key to overcoming divisions and building a common future. The year 2025 will be full of high-class artistic events such as Andy Warhol’s exhibition “Beyond Borders” at Palazzo Attems in Gorizia, which is already open to the public, or the jubilee premiere of Rossini’s opera “Il envoy a Reims” performed at the junction of the countries. All events and projects are related to the heritage of these areas and marked by the slogan Borderless.

Translated by Aleksandra Górecka
Proofread by Zofia Świerszcz

Lublin, as the European Youth Capital in 2023, continues its mission of international cooperation and exchange of experience. In the previous week, Lublin’s representatives visited Tromsø, a city located above the Arctic Circle, to partake in a special meeting under the Erasmus+ programme. During the event, Lublin’s delegation had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and inspirations with the upcoming European Youth Capital’s teams: Ghent 2024 (Belgium), Lviv 2025 (Ukraine), and Tromsø 2026 (Norway). The discussions were focused on the best practice in youth policy and the ways of engaging the youth in the social and cultural life of their cities.

“This meeting was remarkably inspiring. It has shown how much we can mutually learn from one another. Each European Youth Capital introduces their own, unique perspective and experience, and the collective activities foster a stronger and more united youth community in Europe,” emphasises Agnieszka Parol-Górna, Managing Director of Lublin City Youth Council.
Lublin, as a leader of youth-orientated actions, did not only share its experience, but also drew inspiration for the next initiatives, which will be implemented in the future. The international cooperation and the integration of young people serve as the fundamental component of Lublin’s strategy, which consistently strengthens its position as a welcoming, innovative, and youth-friendly city.

Translated by Zofia Świerszcz
Proofread by Daria Nowak

In 2029 Lublin will become the European Capital of Culture. It is our belief it is going to be a wonderful time for everyone who decides to visit our city. ECoC already means not only a title but also the obligations resting with us from now on until forever. One of these is supporting other cities candidates (candidate cities?) in their efforts. The cooperation with Cyprus, which is going to take over this title in 2030, is an amazing opportunity to share our experiences while putting great effort into gaining it. It is with great joy and interest that we observe the ideas of Lemesos 2030. We ensure that our programme is read and analysed very carefully in the remote southern region of the European Union. All (bez all) together with our partners from Malta, we strive to make Port Lublin ‘29—Port Lemesos ‘30 a safe haven for all those who look for shelter and artistic RE:UNION.

We have been through many conversations about the hard (tough) situation of artists and their recipients on the Island of Aphrodite. Confronted with more and more glass skyscrapers and corporations that overtake the market, there are questions whether independent artists will survive. There is also our dream to organise a parade for over a hundred dance schools that are active in this second biggest city of Cyprus, which calls out: “Φαντάσου! Imagine! Wyobraź mnie sobie!”. Thank you for your trust and honesty, for your courage, difficult questions, and the hope that we will manage to save even a small part of our world. Good luck, Lemesos!

You can find out more about an app and our efforts on https://www.lemesos2030.com/en

Translated by: Daria Nowak
Proofreading: Aleksandra Górecka

We are coming back from Niš in southern Serbia after the networking session and a few days of training. There are plans to organise a similar event for the Lublin organisations of culture and NGOs. The training was directed at organisations submitting project proposals as a part of the different Creative Europe programmes. Among speakers invited by the Serbian Office, there are representatives from Creative Europe Desk, who work in EU Member States and other countries participating in the programme. We have been invited to participate in the training and deliver a presentation describing our experiences so far and upcoming project plans.

In the audience appeared NGOs from countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegowina, Macedonia and Montenegro. The performances and presentations were accompanied by pitching sessions. The multi-day format of the meeting allows us to reinforce the network of partnerships and the development of transnational collaboration. It also enables deeper understanding of Creative Europe priorities, effective practice, and logical implementation of it. We thank Creative Europe Desk for the opportunity to be a part of this event.

Marta Ryczkowska
Maciej Rukasz

Tłumaczenie: Daria Nowak

Korekta: Aleksandra Górecka

An organisational meeting was held last week on the European Flags. RE:UNION project, which is co-financed by the SYNERGIE grant programme. The project’s objectives include cooperation between cultural institutions and local authorities associated in the Local Tourist Organisation “Metropolia Lublin” and in the Lublin Metropolitan Area, evaluation of cultural potential, fostering an active participation in culture among the local residents and involving the communities which haven’t engaged in cultural activities yet.

The participants of the working group were eager to join the project and accomplish the goals together, strengthening in this way the Working Group for Culture in the Lublin Metropolitan Area, established on December 18th 2024. Thus, the Regional Working Group for the project was formed. This is a continuation of the work in the Cultural Union of the Metropolitan Area – a declaration of a true and sustainable cooperation within the regional network as a part of the ECoC 2029.

The visit provided an amazing opportunity to exchange experiences and establish cooperation with local leaders, external experts, and the municipal’s residents.

Marek Sztark, project coordinator, writes about the meeting:

Will it be possible to create a unique social mosaic, based on the designs of over 100 personal flags prepared by the inhabitants of the Lublin Region and build a large-scale installation that will be situated in the Lublin city centre? In order to begin preparations for the “European Flags. RE:UNION” project, the people of culture from the 22 municipalities associated in the Lublin Metropolitan Area, directors and employees of cultural institutions, librarians and animators met at the Centre for Culture in Lublin. Maria Sztark, a culture animator from Szczecin, currently working in Warsaw, has successfully taken up the challenge of creating such an installation three times. In 2017, an installation of a hundred personal graphic signs printed on fluttering flags was set up in Golczewo, a small town in Western Pomerania. A year later, for the 100th anniversary of regaining Poland’s independence, a similar one was installed on Solidarity Square (Plac Solidarności) in the center of Szczecin, followed by the most spectacular presentation of over a hundred personal identities displayed on Parade Square (Plac Defilad) in Warsaw. The animator encourages residents to engage in conversations about freedom, common areas, relationships and diversity. Under the direction of graphic designers, participants take part in a series of workshops during which original personal flags are designed.

In the Lublin region, the project is implemented within the SYNERGIE grant programme of the National Centre for Culture, which is a part of the national cultural programme of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, occurring from January 1st to June 30th, 2025. The programme aims to promote European ideas through cultural activities in common spaces, as well as support the implementation of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU’s priorities: social solidarity and community, support for young people in entering the labour market, while at the same time activating and involving all age groups in activities, which aligns with one of the main social concept of UNESCO – “Leaving no one behind”.

The partnership was created by the Local Tourist Organisation “Metropolia Lublin”, the Centre for Culture in Lublin, the Lublin Metropolitan Area Association with the municipalities that signed an agreement of the Union of Culture, and foreign partners: the Lithuanian VsI Kauno biennale from Kaunas and the Ukrainian Choir Kanon from Cherkasy.

The final event, during which the installation will be presented, will take place on May 9th, 2025 on Europe Day, in the center of Lublin. The message of the happening will be the idea of RE:UNION, as stated in the LUBLIN ECoC 2029 application – understood as: integration, merge of broken ties, a dialogue between different cultures and generations, between tradition and modernity, past and future, as well as acceptance of multiple value systems and a new, inclusive social contract. The project is implemented within the preparation process for the celebration of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029.

During the meeting, it has been agreed that the workshop cycle will take place in several cities of the Metropolitan Area, from March 20th to March 24th, 2025. The project executors also took part in a study visit in Jastków, where they met with residents who actively engage in culture.

Translated by Zofia Świerszcz

Korekta: Aleksandra Górecka

In recent days, we had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Shuji Kogi, Secretary General of EU-Japan Fest, during his visit to Lublin. The purpose of this visit was to establish collaboration between Lublin and Japan as part of the European Capital of Culture 2029 initiative. Mr. Kogi shared his inspiring vision for artistic exchange between Japan and Lublin, sparking excitement for future cooperation.

For over 30 years, EU-Japan Fest has successfully fostered cultural exchange between Japan and the European Union. The organization focuses on promoting both traditional and contemporary art and culture. With the financial support of Japan’s leading corporations, it enables the presentation of Japanese culture in Europe—particularly in European Capitals of Culture—and European culture in Japan. Joint artistic projects, knowledge sharing, and the integration of traditional and modern art forms lie at the heart of this collaboration. Special emphasis is placed on events that not only strengthen collaboration among artists but also build lasting connections between the artistic communities of Lublin and Japan.

The visit’s agenda included productive meetings and tours of Lublin’s cultural institutions and NGOs. During these sessions, the European Capital of Culture program team had the opportunity to present the ideas and vision from Lublin’s winning application. Joining the discussions was Ana Kočegarova Maj, former Head of International Relations for “Kaunas – European Capital of Culture 2022” and currently Lithuania’s Cultural Attaché in Poland.

The delegation also attended official meetings at City Hall with Mayor Krzysztof Żuk and Deputy Mayor for Culture, Sports, and Participation Beata Stepaniuk-Kuśmierzak. The discussions included members of the Lublin Cultural Centre team, which spearheaded the city’s successful application under the leadership of Director Rafał Koziński, the Mayor’s Representative for ECoC 2029 programming, as well as City Hall staff. We were honored to be supported by Mr. Rafał Dutkiewicz, former mayor of Wrocław, who generously shared his expertise and experience.

As we look to 2029, it’s clear that Lublin will not only host incredible cultural exchanges but will also be a vibrant hub for fostering global connections through RE:UNION. We are thrilled for what lies ahead!