At the end of this article, you will find two links to the online forms for submitting project proposals. If you have a project idea that you’d like to explore further, select the ‘Test an Idea’ form. If you already have a project proposal ready, select the ‘Artistic Project’ form. The questions in the various forms will help you reflect on how your project ties in with Kiruna 2029 and will enable the organisers to understand what kind of support you might need in a potential collaboration.
The European Capital of Culture is an initiative designed to engage anyone who wishes to take part, broaden their horizons, discover new ways to grow, and allow creativity and curiosity to bring people closer together. It is an opportunity to present something out of the ordinary – something that stimulates and inspires. In selecting the projects to be included in the official artistic programme for Kiruna 2029, five criteria have been identified, as set out below. These criteria complement the artistic concept with the objectives outlined in the application dossier, which is also available on their website.
The deadline for submitting an application for an artistic project is 30 September 2026. The selection of project proposals will take place in November 2026. Both individual and group interviews will be conducted with the project leaders of those selected for inclusion in the official Kiruna 2029 programme. These interviews aim to place the projects within a broader context and to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and information on current and future work.
The ‘Test an Idea’ module will be available until 31 December 2026, and feedback will be provided on an ongoing basis.
If you have any questions about how Kiruna intends to assess the artistic content, the selection process or any other aspect relating to Kiruna 2029 – European Capital of Culture, please feel free to contact them. They recommend that you first consult their website, where you can find useful information in the published texts and in the FAQ section dedicated to project proposals. No individual meetings on specific projects are planned for this call for proposals. Online information sessions will be organised between late August and early September; the dates will be announced shortly.
As part of the development of the artistic programme for Kiruna 2029, five criteria have been established – Homemaking, European Adventure, Perspectives, Finding New Ways, and Power of Culture. These criteria serve as guiding principles in shaping the official programme and interweave the artistic concept with the goals formulated for the European Capital of Culture initiative in Kiruna 2029. They act as a support for those who wish to collaborate through artistic projects, as well as in the selection process for the official artistic programme 2029.
Homemaking
Homemaking is about exploring how relationships and contexts can help to create a sense of security, belonging and ‘home’.
In times of great change and uncertainty, it becomes essential to create ‘bonfires’ around which to gather and share our concerns and hopes. Through art and culture, safe spaces can emerge, allowing us to process the often intangible aspects of change: a journey that begins within us and which, through our encounters with others, makes us stronger together. By celebrating what is unique, highlighting what we share and addressing both collective challenges and joys, our cultural roots intertwine to show us the way forward.
European Adventure
European Adventure is about sharing knowledge, collaborating across borders and building new relationships with partners in Europe and beyond.
By learning from and with one another, artistic perspectives are broadened, contributing to exchanges between arts practitioners and fostering new encounters with audiences. Achieving a European dimension requires collaboration between artists, producers, creators and entrepreneurs from different countries. At the same time, particular attention is paid to strengthening cooperation with their neighbours in the Arctic, exploring the issues that shape the way people live and work in this region.
Perspectives
“Perspectives” aims to enable the expression and celebration of a variety of stories and viewpoints.
Kiruna 2029 regards accessibility and representation as key strengths, where both grassroots movements and professionals can be involved and contribute a wide range of specific experiences, cultural knowledge and artistic creativity. Their artistic vision is based on the involvement of young people, the recognition of women’s perspectives, and the inclusion of the Sámi indigenous people and the national minorities of the Tornedalians, Lantalaiset, Kvens and Swedish-speaking Finns, on their own terms.
Finding New Ways
‘Finding New Ways’ is about artistic excellence, creative exploration and the integration of tradition in unexpected ways.
Being part of the official programme for the European Capital of Culture year in Kiruna in 2029 should offer artists and organisers the opportunity to grow by taking risks and exploring previously uncharted paths – both within their own artistic practice and in the way and place in which artistic and cultural activities take place and are shared. Curiosity and creativity can give rise to surprising encounters – through collaborations with new partners, the development of artistic expressions or exchanges with the public.
The Power of Culture
‘The Power of Culture’ refers to the way in which the project is deeply rooted in Kiruna and has a local impact here and now, whilst at the same time developing the skills needed for the future.
Artistic activities that are clearly defined or imaginatively designed, and which are linked to Kiruna and the specific characteristics of the place, can give something back to the local community. The possibilities are endless, but local inclusion is essential – whether by involving residents in new experiences created by professionals from around the world, influencing decision-makers, or improving conditions for the region’s artists, enabling them to make their voices heard in various venues both within and outside Europe. By using art and culture both as a working method and as a tool, new meeting places emerge in unexpected contexts that the public can experience and bring to life. Kiruna wants culture to take its rightful place, become part of the process and shape the world around it.
