In 2030 there will be three countries to designate the European Capital of Culture: Cyprus, Belgium and one of the candidate countries to join the European Union.

Can culture be a shield against the degradation of politics and public institutions? Can the values of the European Union represent a weapon to defend the autonomy of individual countries?

Brussels is brimming with cultural, artistic and socio-cultural dynamics. At the same time, Brussels is home to an abundant and active network of ‘city makers’ who are already taking up roles ‘from below’ in unfolding the urban transformation(s), either directly or indirectly.

A little over a year ago, the government of the Brussels Capital Region mandated Jan Goossens and Hadja Lahbib to prepare Brussels’ candidacy as European Capital of Culture in 2030.

The very first Brussels2030 Summer Assembly (4 – 8 July 2022, Tour à Plomb, Brussels) offers a space where diverse urban actors can inspire one another and initiate processes of collaborative city-making. Participants and contributors will explore needs and challenges, produce scenarios and tools for working towards desirable urban futures, in and beyond the Brussels context.