Ghent is a candidate to become European Capital of Culture in 2030. This title has existed since 1985 and in 2030 a city from Belgium, also will be European Capital of Culture. The title may have started as the crown in a beauty pageant, but today, it is a recognition of courageous European cities. 

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.