Leuven European Capital of Culture 2030
In 2030 a Belgian city will become the cultural capital of Europe. Leuven plus the East Brabant region is a candidate as Leuven & Beyond.
Leuven & Beyond has been selected for the 2nd round in the battle for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. If we win the title, 2030 will be an unforgettable year.
What’s a European Capital of Culture?
Every year the European Union selects two cities to be European Capitals of Culture. Why does the EU do that? It aims to highlight the cultural richness and diversity of Europe. In 2030, it will be Belgium’s turn and a Belgian city will be awarded the title. Leuven plus the East Brabant region is a candidate, as are Molenbeek and Namur.
Leuven & Beyond was able to convince the jury with the first bid book - the official candidature - and a strong presentation. We advance to the final selection. In the second round, candidates must submit a comprehensive bid book in 2025, in which we elaborate on the artistic programme for 2030.
These Belgian cities have already held the title in the past:
- Antwerp in 1993
- Brussels in 2000
- Bruges in 2002
- Mons in 2015
Why are we putting ourselves forward as a candidate?
More than half a million people live in Leuven and the region. However, we’re a region on a human scale, with a rich past and a vibrant cultural life. The cultural and creative sector is flourishing as never before.
Art, culture, and heritage at the forefront
Leuven and the region have a huge number of associations offering a tremendous range of cultural activities. And there are plans for even more. Here are some examples:
- In 2025 Leuvens’ University will celebrate its 600th anniversary.
- Between 2024 and 2029 we’ll be restoring the historic town hall.
- In 2029 we’ll be opening the new Performing Arts Site (in Dutch).
- In 2026 we’ll be connecting Park Abbey and the Brabantse Wouden national park (in Dutch).
These are just a few examples of the building blocks toward 2030. The title of European Capital of Culture is a terrific opportunity to make Leuven and the region an even better place to live and work.
Leuven & Beyond: working cooperatively with the East Brabant region
It’s not just the City of Leuven that’s the candidate. It’s Leuven plus the entire East Brabant region – what we’re calling ‘Leuven & Beyond’.
So far, the municipalities of Aarschot, Begijnendijk, Bekkevoort, Bierbeek, Boortmeerbeek, Boutersem, Diest, Geetbets, Haacht, Holsbeek, Keerbergen, Kortenaken, Linter, Lubbeek, Oud-Heverlee, Overijse, Rotselaar, Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Tervuren, Tielt-Winge, Tienen and Tremelo have all committed to the project and we’re at the discussion stage with still others.
Working cooperatively is in the DNA of the region. We carry out projects, for and with residents, across sectors and city border. That’s our strength and it’s where we make the difference. By joining forces, we make the entire region stronger.
Positive impact
Becoming European Capital of Culture has a positive impact on culture, well-being, economy, tourism, the hospitality industry … both during the preparations and after the festive year.
If we win, 2030 will be a memorable cultural year anyway, not only for everyone who lives in the region but also for visitors from far and wide. We’re aiming to attract three million national and international visitors. It’s chance to tackle challenges together, to confront problems that set people at odds, such as climate change, growing inequality, poverty, and polarization. Culture is our secret weapon. It brings together citizens, the region’s municipalities, organizations, knowledge institutions, associations, entrepreneurs, and companies. In this way, Leuven and the region can become a model for the whole of Europe.
We’ve given our candidacy a title – it’s called ‘LOV’. A nod to the way Leuven is sometimes pronounced and a reference to the English word ‘love’.
The path to 2030
- 2018 – 2022: Preparation
- 2023:
- Meetings and discussions with the cultural sector, socio-cultural organizations and networks from Leuven and the region.
- Ambassadors from the Dreamers2030 team are working with us on the application.
- Spring 2024:
- We put together a first project proposal, the so-called bid book. This is the official application for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030.
- We launched an open call for project ideas.
- 2 September 2024: We submit our application to the European Union.
- 24 October 2024: The European jury selects the cities that will go forward to the second round. Leuven & Beyond is selected.
- Autumn 2025: We submit a second bid book. The European jury announces the Belgian winner.
- 2030: If Leuven wins, this will be an amazing year!
The team
In order to put together a strong bid for the European Capital of Culture title the City of Leuven has appointed 3 experts to lead the project:
- Lore Baeyens, education and network expert
- Sarah Bekambo, artist and cultural worker
- Stijn Devillé, theatre-maker and cultural entrepreneur
They’re supported by 30 ambassadors from the Dreamers2030 team, which in turn is drawn from Leuven and the region.
Do you have a question?
Contact us. We are happy to help you.
