Brussels is brimming with cultural, artistic and socio-cultural dynamics. At the same time, Brussels is home to an abundant and active network of ‘city makers’ who are already taking up roles ‘from below’ in unfolding the urban transformation(s), either directly or indirectly.

A little over a year ago, the government of the Brussels Capital Region mandated Jan Goossens and Hadja Lahbib to prepare Brussels’ candidacy as European Capital of Culture in 2030.

The very first Brussels2030 Summer Assembly (4 – 8 July 2022, Tour à Plomb, Brussels) offers a space where diverse urban actors can inspire one another and initiate processes of collaborative city-making. Participants and contributors will explore needs and challenges, produce scenarios and tools for working towards desirable urban futures, in and beyond the Brussels context.

Cities that want to apply to become European Capital of Culture, usually, but not always,  decide this ten years earlier. For example, Matera decided to apply in 2010 to be European Capital of Culture in 2019. Six years before the title-year the selected host Member States publish a call for applications, usually through their Ministry for Culture. Cities interested in participating in the competition must submit a proposal for consideration.