In Sweden, on the other hand, the contest is between only two cities, Kiruna and Uppsala.

Kiruna
Kiruna is a city that possesses a significant cultural legacy, while also facing the difficulties of industrial growth, the use of renewable energy sources, and the reshaping of its urban landscape. Frequent detonations occur within the city, resulting in the destruction of roadways and the deformation of infrastructure. The iron-ore extracted from its subsoil is of utmost importance for both national and European interests, leaving the city responsible with no alternative but to relocate the city. The city is currently experiencing a mix of sadness and anticipation for the future, as it strives to be designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2029. Due to its unique Arctic landscape, Sami inhabitants and strategic geographical position, the city has a remarkably rare opportunity to reconstruct, preserve and showcase its exceptional characteristics by harmonising human activities with the natural environment. Kiruna is encountering a substantial obstacle as it transitions from its most extensive subterranean iron-ore mine to the urban core. The city's notion of movement is intended to replicate the multi-dimensional nature of Kiruna, with a specific emphasis on the city centre shifting three kilometres to the east, along with its population of 6,000 residents. The concept of mobility is intended to prioritise the well-being of one another, minority cultures, nature, history, and the future. Ultimately, Kiruna aspires to be designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2029, fully embracing its distinct cultural identity and confronting the obstacles it encounters.

The title of bidbook is: MOVEMENT Below Ground. On Earth. In Space.
“Our concept is still Movement – Below Ground, On Earth, In Space. But in Kiruna, Movement is not merely a concept. It’s a daily experience and a way of life. When we unpack our concept from different thematic angles, we reveal layer after layer of how it wraps around Kiruna. As a dimension of time, Below Ground is what’s behind us, our history and our heritage and roots. On Earth is the present, where we stand in this moment in time and In Space is what lies ahead of us, the future, hopes and dreams. These lines connect to our ancestors before us, the people of today and future generations. They relate to a Sami worldview, where the world is divided into three spheres: the heavenly, the earthly and the underground. Where the living and divine beings share space in parallel worlds. They relate to what is happening to our city: The old city is currently being demolished and crumbling into the landfill below. The new city is coming to life on the surface, and the plans for the city yet to be are filled with life and memories still in the space of imagination. What has changed are our programme lines. We have translated the story of Below Ground, On Earth and In Space into three lines that reflect the recent development of our artistic programme: Seeds of Knowledge – is about being in touch with the collective wisdom and knowledge that has been shared in Kiruna and our surroundings over the millennia, Art of Transition is about the movement on earth and how we transition from one state to the other in the present, and Endless Horizon is how we go forward in space and time, into a new tomorrow.

The Bidbook here.

Uppsala
Uppsala is applying to become a European Capital of Culture in 2029, with the view to harnessing culture as a driving force for a sustainable future, placing mobility issues at the forefront. Uppsala's position as a knowledge hub with two world-class universities and strong growth provides it with favourable conditions to lead in the sustainability transition. Uppsala is one of Sweden's largest and rapidly growing cities with ambitious goals to become a global leader in environmental and climate transition. The municipality aims to break down social segregation and create a safe city with a high quality of life for everyone. The European Capital of Culture year is envisaged as a catalyst to set things in motion and contribute to the change needed to confront the significant challenges they face. Uppsala's application focuses on the process, journey, and ambitions of becoming a true cultural capital with the aim to enhance international partnerships, reinforce cultural pillars for social development, increase attention and recognition, and be a model for creative transition from a wasteful society to a sustainable one. Uppsala's bid also highlights its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, aiming to ensure that cultural initiatives benefit all segments of society. Additionally, the city seeks to inspire other communities worldwide to embark on similar journeys towards sustainability and cultural enrichment.

The title of bidbook is: Between the lines.
Uppsala, one of Sweden’s oldest cities, is steeped in history and cultural heritage. It is home to the oldest university and largest cathedral in Scandinavia, making it a center of education and religion. The city’s legacy includes pioneering contributions to science, social progress and the arts, with a tradition of fostering intellectual and cultural advancements that continue to shape the world. Today Uppsala is one of the fastest-growing cities in Sweden. In the last decade, the city has increased its population by almost 40,000 inhabitants to a total of 240,000. The ongoing development in both the city and the region includes thousands of new homes, new neighborhoods and districts. A doubling of train tracks to and from Stockholm, a new tramway, and other infrastructure projects will connect new developments with existing ones, weaving together the urban fabric of Uppsala with the rest of the region. The theme for our bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2029 —Between the Lines— aims to capture and explore the challenges and possibilities of the growing city using culture and heritage as a driving force for change and cohesion. Between the lines refers both to the linguistic meaning - to see and understand something unspoken, to find meanings that are intended but not directly expressed and the more mathematical, literal sense - of being in a position between the lines i.e. to be somewhere between for example the railway and the square, in this respect the concept Between the lines describes the physical urban spaces between points, places (spots) and lines. We aim to create a cultural program for the ECoC that explores Uppsala between the lines, encouraging visitors and inhabitants to read and interpret the unspoken meanings, feelings and intentions of the growing Uppsala and at the same time experience the urban fabric and physical spaces of the city and beyond. Between the lines is thus both a spatial and architectural concept as well as a metaphorical and poetic/cultural, rooted in the coming years of intense investment in building and rebuilding our city.

the Bidbook here.