Inspiration from Hildesheim2025: not a cultural capital, but regional cooperation

Hildesheim is located in the centre of Germany. The city has 100,000 inhabitants and the rural region has 180,000 inhabitants. The city has a 1,200-year history and a rich cultural heritage. Today, the region faces challenges such as depopulation, a decline in cultural activities and a feeling of isolation. 

Candidate cultural capital

The desire to apply for the title of cultural capital was motivated by a desire to redefine the future of the region and promote rural areas. The application for European Capital of Culture was based on the concept of a ‘European Province of Culture’, which focused on highlighting the cultural riches of the surrounding rural region.

‘Hildesheimers live in a universe of sugar beet fields and legendary rose bushes on the European continent. A society, like many societies, with a predominantly reactive and mostly passive mentality. In recent years, a profound process of reflection has begun in our community. We need to restart in a more proactive mode in order to take control of our common future.’ — Source: Hildesheim Bid Book

Active involvement of the region

The bid presented themes such as care – for each other, the planet and cultural heritage – inclusiveness, sustainability and openness. A crucial element in the strategy was the active involvement of the surrounding municipalities. To this end, a formal contract was signed with 18 municipalities, with each participating municipality making a financial contribution.

However, the process was significantly affected by the unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional participation methods had to be transformed into an online dialogue. Despite these challenges, the bid reached the selection phase, which in itself was considered a significant success. Although the final selection was not won, the bid achieved second place in the national German selection.

Has the regional dynamic been preserved?

Sabine Zimmermann is responsible for Netzwerk Kultur & Heimat Hildesheimer Land. She was actively involved in the bid book process. Even when the bid was not successful and Hildesheim came second, she continued to promote regional cultural development: ‘The bidding process itself can be a valuable catalyst for regional development, even without winning.’

The power of a common goal proved essential. Regional cooperation has been strengthened as a result of the process. A new sense of unity and cooperation emerged between municipalities, cultural organisations and various other sectors, including agriculture. This cooperation led to a series of joint projects and initiatives, including the establishment of a regional cultural conference. A tangible symbol of this cooperation is the creation of a cultural hub, a central meeting place called Puls.

Cultural awareness in the region has increased. The role of culture in the community has been more fully appreciated. The cultural treasures of the area have become more recognised and valued, and new networks and partnerships have emerged in recent years, including international connections. The international links in particular appear to have given a boost.

This dynamic continues today, with financial support from the municipalities. A regional cultural exchange is planned for 2025, and a new application has been submitted for 1.5 million euros for the next five years. Although there were some setbacks in the beginning, such as the departure of a few municipalities from the financial contract, the vast majority returned. Moreover, the community demonstrated its commitment through a successful crowdfunding campaign, which gave the project an extra boost.

Lessons from Hildesheim

• The bidding process itself can be a valuable catalyst for regional development, even without winning.
• Advocacy is very important; you need ambassadors who actively go out and promote the project. After all, building trust and communication between different stakeholders is crucial.
• A common goal is important for pooling energy.