Pilsen has prepared a special programme for the year 2025 as a celebration of the ten-year anniversary of the Pilsen – European Capital of Culture 2015 project. It will offer unique performances which will take place in the Czech Republic for the very first time but also traditional festivals enriched with the anniversary programme.

Art about the climate crisis in a former coal-fired power station, graffiti in a historic market hall and urban art in an abandoned industrial site

During the last meeting in Tokyo with representatives from European capitals of culture, Christina Jaritsch , Christina Jaritsch Head of Climate Change and Gender Diversity in the Salzkammergut 2024 team, gave a presentation using slides to explain “The New Rural: What ECoC* shifts in European regions”.

The slides presented during the meeting can be downloaded from the attachment to this news item.

During the last meeting in Tokyo with representatives from European capitals of culture, Jiro Kogi, Deputy Secretary General of Eu-Japan Fest, gave a presentation using slides to explain the role and functions of Eu Japan Fest.

The slides presented during the meeting can be downloaded from the attachment to this news item.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am Makoto Takashima, Chairman of Sumitomo  Mitsui Banking Corporation – called SMBC. This year, I have the honor of serving as  Chairman of the Operating Committee of EU-Japan Fest and working with the Ambassadors  of European countries, and representatives of European Capital Culture of cities, to promote  cultural exchange. It is my privilege to welcome everyone today to this event “Meet Up  ECoC – Face to Face.”  

In these challenging and unpredictable times, it is more important than ever that as like minded countries, Europe and Japan strengthen even further their precious relationship.  There are many dimensions to this relationship including diplomatic, business and trade,  education, and science and technological cooperation. But among these, culture stands out  because the personal interactions that develop through cultural activities transcend borders  and lead to friendship and mutual understanding.  

EU-Japan Fest takes the leading role in building bridges between Europe and Japan, by  offering a platform where creative individuals can interact and generate new value for a  brighter future.  

The events of today and tomorrow have been prepared to offer new insights into cultural  exchange, and to enable participants to engage in face-to-face communication and build  connections that develop into new cultural collaborations between Europe and Japan.  

Thank you for your attendance and I hope this event will be valuable for everyone. I wish  for everyone’s continued success.  

After being presented at the Venice Biennale last year, the site-specific project “Disobedience Archive” makes a stop in Trencin, European Capital of Culture 2026 in a Site specific installation, designed by Zbyněk Baladrán.

From July 3 to July 13, Trenčín will become part of the largest Central European literary festival. The theme: exile literature.

The Spanish city's bid plans to move along 9 thematic axes: Cultural and Digital Innovation; Heritage and Sustainability; Creative and Sustainable Tourism; Social Cohesion, Inclusion and Multiculturalism; European Dimension; Spaces for Culture; Training and Education; Dissemination and Awareness; Employment and Cultural Entrepreneurship.

Jerez2031 publishes the call for applications for the technical and artistic coordinator of the 2031 European Capital of Culture bid.

Residency from October 13 to December 15, 2025 in Clermont-Ferrand, FranceApplication deadline: July 5, 2025