Meet our LOVers - Teodora Borghoff

Who are you?

I am Teodora Borghoff, a European nomad at heart and by professional opportunities. My base is in a small village in the West of Romania and I’ve spent over two decades facilitating community development and cultural engagement. 

What do you do?

I’m a community weaver, working as a facilitator, consultant or trainer. I’ve served as Program Coordinator for Timișoara’s bid for European Capital of Culture, later joining the Timișoara 2023 Curatorial Team to support an inclusive cultural program. Today, I support initiatives that bring people together through dialogue, art, heritage, and sustainable regeneration.

Why did you become a LOVer?

I became a LOVer because Leuven’s commitment to cultural openness, creative experimentation and meaningful connection resonated deeply with my work. Leuven is a city of community encounters, and that aligns with my mission: to foster places and experiences where people meet, share stories, and feel part of something larger.

What does LOV mean to you?

To me, LOV stands for “Living Our Values” through culture, dialogue, and hospitality. It’s about loving our communities, our people, our shared ecosystems, and acting in ways that bring that love to life in everyday social and cultural practices.

LOV is all about new encounters. Who did you meet during your stay in Leuven who gave you a LOVely feeling?

In Leuven, I was deeply moved by the team preparing the bid for the city to become European Capital of Culture 2030. Their passion was contagious, and their love for their city and region shone through every conversation and action. It was clear they were not just working on a project, but nurturing a vision rooted in care, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging.

When was the last time you were astonished by nature?

I am astonished by nature every day, whether I’m tending to my home garden, watching the quiet miracle of growth unfold, or taking a mindful walk while traveling, letting the landscape speak to me. There’s something humbling and deeply grounding in the way nature offers beauty, rhythm, and renewal, if we take the time to notice.

Do you think art and culture can contribute to more connection?

Absolutely. I’ve experienced it firsthand: art and culture create shared spaces, common languages, and new perspectives. In Timișoara’s 2023 cultural season, we saw large-scale participatory projects bring together people of all identities and abilities. That same effect is at the heart of LOV’s mission.

What is your favorite LOVely place in Leuven (& beyond)?

My favourite place in Leuven is the Groot Begijnhof (Great Beguinage), a peaceful haven that holds the quiet strength of history. Once home to a community of independent women, it speaks to values I deeply cherish: simplicity, care, and resilience. Walking its cobbled paths, I feel a sense of calm and admiration for the generations of women who built a life rooted in purpose and quiet dignity. 

What do you hope for 2030?

I hope that by 2030, Leuven will proudly hold the title of European Capital of Culture, shining as a global beacon of European values, reinterpreted humanism, and deep connectedness across cultures. I imagine thousands of international alumni returning to their alma mater, reconnecting with the city that shaped them, and carrying forward the same values of peace, openness, and love into communities around the world.

Any final LOVely thoughts you’d like to leave us with?

Just a heartfelt thank you for the inspiration, the warmth, and the beautiful encounters. May this journey continue to grow and connect people near and far. Thank you for all the inspiration and good luck!