Very frequently, in fact, it is only used instrumentally for other purposes. How many times have we, for example, seen school classes attend conferences just to have the room full of people? Or how many times have young people been called into cultural projects only to become volunteers and perhaps perform unpaid work?

All this was discussed for three days in Leeuwarden, already European Capital of Culture in 2018, as part of the 14th conference of Culture Next, the network of some 40 European cities that have either won the title of European Capital of Culture or have simply applied or want to apply for the next competition and of which EcocNews is mediapartner.

And this conference could not but be organised in Leeuwarden, which is now a candidate to become European Capital of Youth in 2028.

Organising the event together with Culture Next was Arcadia, the legacy of Leeuwarden 2018, which implements projects for the cultural development of the city. One of these is the incredible “cathedral” built by the community next to a real 500-year-old cathedral.

Sjoerd Bootsma explains everything in this interview.

Sjoerd Bootsma is the artistic director of Dutch cultural triennial Arcadia, the follow-up of Leeuwarden-Friesland European Capital of Culture 2018. Arcadia is a large-scale cultural celebration of 100 festival days, built by many international artists, 20.000 active participants and visited by over 800.000 people.

During the conference, several practices for the involvement of young people in the European Capitals of Culture programmes were shared. In particular, during the first day of the conference, which took place in the Bouwurk premises.

Ten cities presented several projects for the involvement of young people. Particularly significant was The Blikopeners programme.

The Stedelik Museum, for example  aims to stimulate cultural participation among young people.

It does this by using the methodology of peer education and giving young people, a full-fledged position within its organization. By involving young people in activities and tasks, the museum tries to better connectwith their opinions, interests,  and life world.

We have gathered the testimony of Oulu and Trencin, which will be European Capitals of Culture in 2026.

Henri Turunen, Programe manager Oulu 2026

Stanislav Krajči, Ceo Trencin 2026

But there are cities that are already involving young people in the candidature phase. For example, Turin had the logo designed with the collaboration of young students.

Here Elisa Lacicerchia, Foundation for Culture, Turin.

 

Satisfied with the outcome of this conference was the Secretary General of culture next.

Ștefan Teișanu. Secretary general of Culture Next.

Here OtherNews about the 14th Culture Next Conference.

 

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