Leuven & Beyond one step closer to the title of European Capital of Culture 2030

Leuven & Beyond – LOV2030 – has been selected for the second round in the competition for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. After a convincing presentation to a jury of ten European and two Belgian experts, Leuven has qualified with two other cities for the next and final phase. The city of Leuven, which was the first to announce its candidacy in 2017, hopes to inspire Europe with its unique vision on culture, sustainability and innovation.

The Leuven LOV delegates, consisting of ten representatives with a heart for Leuven and the region, defended the dossier with conviction. Among those present were mayor Mohamed Ridouani, the three intendants Lore Baeyens, Sarah Bekambo and Stijn Devillé, cultural director Piet Forger and various members of the Droomteam2030.

With the theme HumanNature, Leuven's candidacy emphasizes two challenges of our time: polarization and climate change, and the need to forge radically new connections through culture.

Strong pillars of Leuven's candidacy

​The intendants also emphasize the immense value of this step for the city and the region: “This victory is a recognition of what we can achieve as a community when we work together. Leuven & Beyond is more than a project, it is a movement. Culture is a force that breaks down barriers, connects communities and helps us all move forward, locally, regionally and internationally.”

The application explicitly emphasizes the strength of Leuven's existing networks, such as Leuven MindGate, Leuven 2030 and SOM, and the way in which these networks contribute to an integrated, sustainable future. Together with the new LOV Network for Culture, Leuven wants to strengthen these networks even more with new, radical connections between different sectors, making the city a catalyst for cultural and social innovation in Europe.

The candidacy is supported by Leuven & Beyond: “24 municipalities in the East Brabant region have already expressed their LOV2030 commitment,” says alderman for culture Bert Cornillie. “We also extend our hand to the municipalities that we have not yet been able to bring on board.”

More than 137 cultural projects

​In preparation for the candidacy, an Open Call for projects was issued. More than 137 associations, organizations and artists submitted a proposal. 36 of these are described in detail in the bid book (the dossier with which Leuven officially applies as a candidate).

The projects always fit within the three central themes: human, nature and innovation. These include the Crossroads project, in which artistic meeting places are being created at cycling and walking junctions in the region; the Body & Soul project, which connects culture, heritage, healthcare, sports, technology, nature and physical and mental well-being; and the Book by Book project, which focuses on connection and reconstruction in conflict areas.

Next steps

​In the coming year, the LOV team will work on a more extensive candidacy, in which the artistic program for 2030 will be fleshed out even further. This program will include both small-scale and large-scale projects, with room for local initiatives, regional and international collaborations and artists.

Eyeing the final selection, Leuven is focused on strengthening its collaboration with local, regional and international partners. “We have a unique opportunity to develop an artistic program with room for everyone. LOV2030 is a shared journey, not just for Leuven and the region, but for everyone who believes that meeting and collaborating is the key to a better world,” says alderman for culture Bert Cornillie.