Together, these cities will benefit from the network’s support in preparing and implementing their cultural programmes, and they will also make decisions about the future development of Culture Next from 2025 on.

In the case of more membership applications than seats available, the cities which cannot become official members at this moment will be invited to become observing members until they meet all the eligibility criteria and/or the network increases capacity to accommodate more member cities. Observing members will not have decision making rights in the network, but they will have full access to Culture Next activities.

Established in 2017, Culture Next is dedicated to European Capital of Culture candidates, current or former, awarded or not.

Their mission is to contribute to having more European Capital of Culture (ECoC) programmes implemented in European cities and regions and to define a long-term European vision on local development through culture and creativity.

Building on the experiences, processes and collaborations established during the ECoC bid, they support all cities, being them awarded or not, to implement culture-led local development programmes and policies. They are committed to deliver a sustainable impact and meaningful legacy of the ECoC programme.

The network membership fee is 5.000 euro for two years (2023 and 2024).

Application open: November 1st – december 1st.

Eligibility

·         Represent a European city that is or has been a candidate city for the title of European Capital of Culture;

·         Be a bidding organization of ECoC, a legacy body of The ECoC, a Municipality or other type of legal entity with a written representation mandate signed by the local public authority;

·         Having participated in, at least, one meeting of the CN since its foundation until the meeting of Aveiro (inclusive); ​

·         The selection process follows the ”first come, first served” principle.

Other information here.