This was approved on Tuesday by the entity’s Governing Council, chaired by the Mayor of Cáceres, Rafael Mateos, and also comprising the Regional Government of Extremadura and the Provincial Councils of Cáceres and Badajoz. The meeting also approved the entity’s 2026 budget, which will amount to 550,000 euros.

As explained by Iris Jugo, coordinator of Cáceres 2031, the new Office for Cultural Activation will provide a comprehensive agenda for all the entities that are part of the consortium, serving as a “connection” point and a gathering place for cultural information from all of them. At the same time, one of its priority missions will be to promote the development of cultural competencies among citizens and entities that want to work in Extremadura’s cultural sector, focusing on relevant aspects such as the keys to management, obtaining and managing European funds, and the use of public-private financing.

Jugo reported that this project “arises from citizen participation and the active listening process that has been developed, especially with young people,” thus responding “to a request they have made of us and a need that has been identified.”

This Office for Cultural Activation is part of the long-term cultural strategy being developed within the framework of Cáceres 2031, which ensures the continuity of the project beyond the year of the European Capital of Culture.

Iris Jugo also reported on the progress of the bid, which in recent weeks has strengthened its international connections, particularly through its presence and contacts maintained during the European Week of the Regions. She explained that in Brussels, Cáceres 2031 held meetings with organizations such as Eurocities, Culture Action Europe, Europa Nostra, Europaeum, and UNESCO.

The Cáceres 2031 coordinator emphasized that the bid for Capital of Extremadura, reinforced by political consensus and cross-cutting support throughout Extremadura, “is moving forward solidly, with international visibility and a coherent strategy.” Thus, “institutional coordination, citizen involvement, and the European dimension will be key in the coming months, with the goal of presenting a solid, inclusive, and representative BidBook to the Ministry of Culture and the European Commission of Experts in 2026.”

Thus, actions and projects will continue to be developed next year to strengthen Cáceres’ bid for European Capital of Culture. It’s important to remember that Cáceres 2031 must first submit its project in December of this year, which will be reflected in a BidBook, which will be evaluated by European experts.