Leuven goes all out for European Capital of Culture 2030

On the evening of Friday, February 17, over 200 representatives from the broad cultural sector gathered to show their support for Leuven Cultural Capital 2030. The diversity of participants was striking. Both large institutions, smaller cultural organizations and young talent were present. The central question is: how can culture provide the imagination to shape our city and region in 2030 and beyond? The cultural sector is on board.

Leuven announced its candidacy to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030 as early as 2017. This put the city in the race at an early stage. In the past five years, not only has a large-scale citizen survey been organized with 'Leuven Maak Het Mee' (Leuven Make It Happen), but new landscape drawings (vision texts) have also been taking shape in the cultural field. In 2019, our city was also named Best Performing Cultural & Creative City by Europe. Cultural life in Leuven is constantly buzzing and moving. But the large networks around sustainability, innovation, development and education will also prove crucial for the candidacy.

Imagining and connecting

​To prepare the candidacy, the city has hired three administrators who will lead the process from March 1 and who are well-versed in Leuven's cultural field: Lore Baeyens (education and network expert), Sarah Bekambo (artist and programmer at Viernulvier) and Stijn Devillé (theatre maker and cultural entrepreneur). They will take the cultural sector on the road.

Stijn Devillé adds: “How do we look to the future? We look to culture for the imagination to positively shape our future and build a sustainable, innovative and socially just society. That ambition is paramount.” Sarah Bekambo confirms: “That's right. But if you just do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. And that is exactly why we will not shy away from our responsibilities and challenges, and why we will also make room for the vulnerability and frailty that is part of life in our society. That requires courage and openness.” Lore Baeyens concludes: “We want to do this by engaging in conversation with everyone and making radically new connections. The central question is not how good we already are, but how much better we can become together. Who will stand up and accept this invitation?”

Building further on solid foundations towards 2030 & beyond

Leuven is known worldwide as a university city and a top player in innovation. It is a people-oriented city with a rich history and a cultural sector that is flourishing as never before. City festivals such as 'Utopia' and 'KNAL!' show how we collaborate across different sectors. In 2025, we will celebrate 600 years of KU Leuven, not only the oldest but also the most innovative university in the Low Countries. What's more, with the new performing arts site and the repurposing of the historic town hall, two major cultural hotspots will be added in 2028. ​

​Alderman of Culture Bert Cornillie explains: “All these elements form stepping stones to 2030. But the celebratory year in itself is not an end goal. That is an imaginative future. Innovate for the better and for all. Experiencing culture is leaving room for wonder. When shared experiences touch people, they feel enriched. You become a more complete person and feel connected. It is also a basis for peace. In times of war, that can count for a lot.” Mayor Ridouani adds: “It is my stated ambition to turn our city and region into a future lab for Europe or even an ideas factory for the rest of the world. By giving culture and creativity a central place, we stimulate the imagination needed to succeed. We cannot do this alone. We are reaching out to the other cities and municipalities in our region. Together with citizens' initiatives, arts and heritage organizations, associations, companies and knowledge institutes, we want to shape our shared future. To do so, we will base our work on the so-called Leuven Model, in which radically new connections are made. This can serve as an example for other cities and regions in Europe.”

Next steps

• In the coming months, the team of intendants will work with the KU[N]ST Leuven team and the city's cultural department to further develop the vision for the future, based on the reactions and commitment in the sector, the city and the region. The creation of radically new connections will start today.
• New meetings will be held this spring, involving other social sectors and networks.
• The bid book for the formal nomination as European Capital of Culture will most likely be submitted in the second half of 2024. The exact timing from Belgium and Europe is not yet entirely certain, but Leuven is ready to start working together today on the world of tomorrow.