Last night, in the heart of the Centre-Val de Loire region, the Bourges 2028 team, supported by key allies (the Mayor of Bourges Yann Galut, Bourges Plus and its President Irène Félix, the Centre-Val de Loire Region, the Department of Cher, and the State), presented the ambitious CRI project with a clear goal: by 2028, to make Bourges a resonance chamber for artistic talent, whether from Bourges, Centre-Val de Loire, or partner cities across France and Europe.

Artists, collectives, associations, local officials – they all came in large numbers to learn about the creative call for projects for Bourges 2028. The CRI’s mission is clear: to integrate these hundreds of artistic projects into the official European Capital of Culture program for the first time since 1985, bringing a fresh wave of innovation across the continent. As Frédéric Hocquard, General Delegate of Bourges 2028, highlighted: “With over 5 million euros, we have given ourselves the means to launch this CRI of joy, alarm, and awakening together!”.

Pascal Keiser, General Commissioner, reminded everyone that “The European jury understood that shared creativity was at the heart of our project. From 2025, we will therefore launch the CRI Academy, a unique and essential support program to ensure that every project reaches fruition, and every voice is heard.”

Elise Gousseau-Brisset, Director of Territorial Projects, outlined the comprehensive support system: “Collective workshops, individual coaching, online sessions… Each year, for five months, everything will be done to assist contributors on key issues, from networking with European partners to carbon footprint reduction.” “Whether free contributions or aligned with the Bourges 2028 artistic program, these annual CRIs will embody the values of our European Capital of Culture and make it shine sustainably. Let this clamour resonate!” exclaimed Louise Tournillon, General Coordinator of Bourges 2028.

The next CRI milestone is set for March 15, 2025, with the opening of the first calls for contributions! Find all the information starting tomorrow on the Bourges 2028 website here.