Launch of the Dreamteam2030

A new milestone on the road to Leuven becoming European Capital of Culture 2030

Leuven is taking an important step towards becoming European Capital of Culture with the launch of the Dream Team 2030. An open call was issued to find 30 inspiring connectors and changemakers from different fields. Everyone was welcome, regardless of age, gender, background or place of residence. More than 280 people nominated 80 different candidates. The Dream Team of 30, together with the three intendants, are the driving force behind Leuven's candidacy as European Capital of Culture in 2030. As ambassadors of the project, they help shape the narrative. What are their dreams for Leuven and the region?

The Dream Team consists of both well-known faces from Leuven and the East Brabant region, as well as people who are less well-known, but who will make a difference through their personality or drive. The team is a diverse mix of creative minds, professionals and experts from various fields, such as writers, artists, musicians, choreographers, heritage experts, youth workers, teachers, students, academics, environmental activists, entrepreneurs and more. ​

Open call was a success

​The Dream Team was put together based on an open call in which the public could nominate someone else. Alderman of Culture Bert Cornillie explains: “The response was overwhelming: more than 280 people made themselves heard and nominated a total of 80 different candidates. This indicates that the appeal has appealed to a wide audience. A number of well-known figures from the cultural landscape were even nominated several times.

Intendants Lore Baeyens, Sarah Bekambo and Stijn Devillé focused on the selection, with a focus on balance in age, gender, expertise, disciplines, sectors, origin and education. Alderman Cornillie: “What delights me is the difference in ages. The youngest member is only 18, while the oldest is already in his eighties. Different generations come together here.” ​

New perspectives make the difference

​Lore Baeyens emphasizes: “We didn't just look at the number of nominations, but above all at the motivation of the applicants, unique expertise within the group and the potential to bring innovative perspectives to the table. During the kick-off, we challenged the team's imagination for the first time.” Stijn Devillé confirms: “Without much prior knowledge, they went in search of dreams in which new, radical connections - the common thread of our story - are central. We were really surprised, those new voices broaden your own perspective. We want to use that imagination to connect people, groups and sectors, but also to take concrete steps to realize those dreams.”

Key role

Sarah Bekambo concludes: “The Dream Team will be our companion on the road from now until the submission of the bid book (official candidacy) in early September. They will help us think about the program, come up with new formats, and provide input and feedback. Conversely, they will include the process within their own operations and network, thus involving a wider audience. Some have already indicated that they want to increase their level of involvement.”