In recent days, Aalborg has launched two international calls: one to bring together 32 people to give momentum and substance to the bid, and another for ideas and project concepts for the artistic and cultural programme to be included in the bid dossier.

“We are creating a movement involving the whole of North Jutland to promote Aalborg as European Capital of Culture in 2032 (AA32). From windswept beaches to rolling dunes, from Norse heritage to bold regeneration and industrial innovation, from Aalborg’s modern waterfront to the bridges that unite us. As a region comprising 11 municipalities and nearly 600,000 citizens, we are rediscovering who we are, setting common goals, breaking old habits and adapting for a better future,” say members of the committee organising the bid.

Aalborg is a story of transformation. From the smoking chimneys of industry to a hub of knowledge and culture. As part of the 2026 budget estimates, Aalborg City Council has decided to allocate approximately €500,000 towards preparing an application (2026–2027).

The City Council has also decided that, should Aalborg be designated European Capital of Culture, a total of €11 million will be allocated for the period 2029–2032, distributed equally over the four years. This sum will be supplemented by government grants, EU funds, non-profit foundations and sponsors. The work on preparing the application is being led by the Department of Culture under Aalborg City Council, in close dialogue with the cultural sector, the municipalities of North Jutland and other partners. A decision will subsequently be made on the structure to be used to manage this process.

Open Call – Project Proposal for AA32

Aalborg aims to present an ambitious programme, rooted in the local area and in its aspirations – one that sets the city and the entire region, North Jutland, in motion towards new communities, European collaborations, and major artistic experiences and experiments.

To achieve this, Aalborg is seeking 20–30 project proposals that will form the first building blocks for the realisation of the AA32 cultural programme.

At this stage, they are not looking for fully formed or carefully planned ideas with a precise budget. Instead, the ideas should be conceptually strong and open to adjustments and new partners – and they should be backed by the proposer’s commitment and expertise to see them through to fruition.

They are looking for projects across all scales. Large-scale events that bring together thousands of people. Projects that delve deeper to find new directions for society and future generations. Lasting changes and countless moments. Stories they want to share with the whole of Europe. Surprising, ambitious, original and authentic projects that spark new movements and questions.

The proposal will help to develop and test the limits of what Aalborg, together with North Jutland, can and must be as European Capital of Culture in 2032.

That said, Aalborg suggests some key points to bear in mind for the application:
• Working in a European way – for example, through direct European cooperation or by bringing inspiration from Aalborg and North Jutland to Europe.
• Highlighting local uniqueness and emphasising the significance of cultural heritage.
• Promote active citizenship, self-expression, diversity and communities across generations.
• Raise questions and address challenges across society through art, culture and creativity.
• Visualise and develop the conditions and role of art and culture in urban and social development, amongst other things, by showcasing new ways of organising society.

Deadline: 24 May 2026.

Budget
At present, the exact financial framework for AA32 is not yet known. It is therefore not possible to provide a specific budget figure to work within. Instead, they encourage applicants to think big, to take a broad approach and to focus on the concept rather than the budget.
What happens after the proposal is submitted to the call? The project proposal is assessed by an interdisciplinary committee of 32 people, the Department of Culture of Aalborg Municipality and the North Jutland cultural partnership, Kulturkanten. They prioritise the proposals and contact the projects deemed most suitable for the application.

The selected projects will be contacted for further collaboration, consultation and development of the projects in preparation for the EU application – in the context of which your proposal will also be published. If the proposal is not included in the dossier, it does not matter, as it may be included in the programme at a later stage.

Open Call – Programme Committee for AA32

Working together is nothing new in Aalborg and North Jutland. And becoming European Capital of Culture represents a unique opportunity for Aalborg, together with North Jutland, to create a unique story, fantastic experiences and a long-term investment in our cultural life, our communities and social development. Aalborg is therefore building a team of 32 people who, with their professionalism, curiosity and diversity, can shape and further develop AA32 on behalf of the city and the region.

What will the programme panel do?

The programme panel will contribute to defining and developing the direction and structure of the AA32 cultural programme. This also includes determining which projects best frame and develop the ambitions. As a member of the panel, you will be involved in assessing all project proposals submitted to AA32. This is done in collaboration with Aalborg Municipality’s Cultural Administration and North Jutland’s cultural cooperation body, Kulturkanten.

Initially, the focus will be on 20–30 shortlisted projects. These efforts will take place between May and August 2026.

Composition criteria

The overall jury will be composed in such a way that:
• Cultural and artistic expertise across various genres. This includes, for example, knowledge of institutional operations, programming, project management, community work and fundraising.
• Insights from many sectors of society, with a focus on professional and human diversity; including a wide variety of skills, life experiences, sector knowledge and community involvement.
• Broad diversity, insight and vision across age, gender, social and cultural backgrounds, and much more. We need a broad perspective covering the whole of Aalborg, North Jutland and Europe.

Ideally, the candidate should live in Aalborg or have close ties to Aalborg or North Jutland. The panel must also be politically independent, and each member must be able to attend meetings on the following dates.

The deadline for applications is 19 April 2026.

The candidate must be able to attend on these dates.
5 May 2026, 4–8 pm in Aalborg (internal meeting – attendance compulsory)
10 June 2026, 4–8 pm in Aalborg (internal meeting – attendance compulsory)
25 June 2026, 4–8 pm in Aalborg (internal meeting – attendance mandatory)

In addition, two public meetings will be held in mid-May, providing an opportunity for developers to engage in dialogue with the Aalborg Municipality team and Kulturkanten, the organisation behind AA32.

No remuneration is paid for participation on the programme panel. Aalborg Municipality covers catering and transport costs in connection with the panel meetings. The programme committee is established by Aalborg Municipality’s Cultural Administration and the North Jutland cultural cooperation body, Kulturkanten, which is managing the EU application for AA32.

More info here.