Leuven & East Brabant to be European Capital of Culture 2030

"A collective victory"

Mayor Mohamed Ridouani responded with delight: ‘This is a moment of collective victory. Together with all 30 municipalities, artists, residents, the university, educational institutions, associations and partners, we have demonstrated the ambition and determination to connect. 2030 will be a year in which we not only celebrate, but also continue to build a liveable and welcoming region for everyone.’

Human, Nature, Innovation

The title is the result of years of preparation, with already 70 project ideas and hundreds of Belgian and European partners. Human, Nature and Innovation are the three pillars of LOV2030. These are themes that are deeply rooted in Leuven and the region, and which at the same time respond to today's major challenges: polarisation, climate crisis and the need for connectedness.

Intendant Lore Baeyens explains: "We live in turbulent times, with war, division and mistrust. Our HumanNature programme opts for connection and humanity. This is not only a symbolic choice, but also a strategic one: we can choose respect, empathy and cooperation. We choose LOV – the most radical connection in a human life. What a wonderful gift that we can now actually roll this out."

1,000 partners, 600 projects

LOV2030 is a widely supported collaboration. Today, 1,000 partners are already involved, including 400 European and 500 Belgian organisations. By 2030, more than 600 projects will come to life, half of which will be in the region.

Alderman for Culture Bert Cornillie emphasises that this is only the beginning: "The coming years will be intense. Public space will be given new impetus, heritage will be rediscovered, artists will be given opportunities, residents will be involved. From large-scale festivals to intimate neighbourhood projects: everyone will have the opportunity to experience and participate. Leuven and East Brabant are thus embarking on a period that will put us on the European map and make us even stronger for the future."

A programme that connects

From international productions to surprising neighbourhood initiatives: LOV2030 brings a multitude of projects that capture the spirit of our times and forge new connections. Some of the highlights include:

Dance Dance Revolution – an international festival celebrating Belgium's rich dance scene
30 Ways to LOV – a new art route along slow roads and cycle junctions in 30 municipalities
First Light – a live XR and spatial audio event with AI storytelling and synchronised visual and auditory choreography
Paint it, black – a Rock Werchter exhibition featuring visual art by artists from the 2030 line-up
Aftrotronix – a celebration of African electronic music and culture with an immersive exhibition and festival
In the Neighbourhood – artist residencies in neighbourhoods throughout the region
Town Hall – European House for Democracy – the town hall reopens as a shared space for art, ideas and action
Earthshakers – a multidisciplinary multimedia production that questions our relationship with the earth
Bee Europe – land art and social sculptures around biodiversity with algorithmically designed gardens for pollinators in Leuven & Beyond
The World’s Smallest Queer Museum – a tiny museum in an old public toilet that highlights and celebrates local queer history with art from the queer community
Starry Nights, Starring Nature! – a performing arts programme in nature with unplugged performances that are entirely shaped by their surroundings
Kweikersparade – a centuries-old tradition that is being revived through participatory and artistic practices

In addition, there are countless collaborative projects, open calls and opportunities for new initiatives.

Strategic partnerships

“LOV2030 can count on strong strategic partners who have supported the bid and will continue to strengthen it. The Leuven networks Leuven 2030 (Leuven climate mission city), Leuven MindGate (the innovation network) and SOM (Samen Onderwijs Maken, Creating Education Together) are indispensable strategic pillars in the bid. In addition to its budget, KU Leuven also contributes academic knowledge and innovative strength. The Leuven business community, from SMEs to multinationals, also supports LOV2030. Together with all our other partners, they form a foundation on which we can continue to build in order to sustainably anchor Leuven and East Brabant as European Capital of Culture," says intendant Stijn Devillé.

Thanks to all LOV members and candidate cities

The title does not belong to Leuven alone. It is the achievement of thousands of people who believed in this story and put their energy into it: artists, volunteers, partners, residents, universities, schools, associations and our fellow candidates. ‘We congratulate Bruges, Ghent, Kortrijk, Molenbeek and Namur for their journey and the inspiring energy that emanated from all the cities,’ says Leuven. "They all demonstrated the transformative power of culture. We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with them. Together with Louvain-la-Neuve and Mons2015, we are also building the European dimension of LOV2030."

European dimension

LOV2030 conveys an ambitious story to Europe: Leuven as a cultural mission city and laboratory for the future. With the LOV EU Academy and collaborations within European networks such as EUROCities and Culture Next, LOV2030 strengthens its European embedding.

Tourism is also taking on a new dimension: cultural capitals attract an average of 3 million visitors. LOV2030 reinforces the sustainable international tourism strategy of Visit Leuven, Visit Flemish Brabant and Visit Flanders.

European Capital of Culture on behalf of Belgium and Flanders

LOV2030 is more than just a year of celebrations. The title offers opportunities for economic growth, tourism, well-being and cultural participation. New infrastructure, sustainable networks and creative impulses ensure a lasting positive impact. Leuven & Beyond are thus conveying an ambitious and hopeful message: a narrative of peace, solidarity and love – exactly what Europe needs today.

"We are European Capital of Culture on behalf of Belgium and Flanders. Many thanks therefore to all levels – local, regional, Flemish and federal – for their trust and financial commitment to our story of connection,’ says Lore Baeyens. ‘But now we want to enjoy our victory together with the team and all the people who have supported us along the way.’ ‘Together, we have written a story that offers hope for Europe. To everyone who contributed to this: un grand merci," adds Stijn Devillé.

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