Culture Next carried out a new Mission in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to discuss how a European Capital of Culture application can generate long-term value, regardless of whether it wins or not. The event took place at Castelo de Mata and brought together political, economic and cultural perspectives from various European cities.
Bruno Inácio, former coordinator of the Faro 2027 bid, shared a political perspective on the opportunities, pressures and legacy that an application can create for a city. Matleena Aarikallio, representative of Oulu2026, focused on the importance of engaging economic partners from the very beginning of the process, allowing them to grow with the project and become part of its journey.
Sara Vuletic, former Head of Programme Partnerships in Novi Sad 2022, addressed the role of the cultural sector and the need to involve cultural organizations and professionals throughout the entire process and beyond the title year. The conversations also explored political commitment and capacity development opportunities available to member cities.
Culture Next is a European network of cities applying to be European Capital of Culture that aims to implement alternatives and cultural projects, regardless of the final outcome. The article was edited and adapted by João Palmeiro, with the participation of the Portuguese city of Faro as a member of the network.