We Are Ready to Become a European Capital of Culture!
Our journey toward becoming a European Capital of Culture began with a thorough study of cities that have previously held the title. We were particularly inspired by Umeå 2014 and their ability to use culture as a force for societal development. From the start, our motivation was clear: this is something we pursue because we need it, not because we feel entitled to it.
Uppsala and our region face significant challenges. We are growing rapidly – the city’s population is expected to increase by 30 percent by 2050. At the same time, social inequalities are widening, and we have set ambitious climate goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and become climate-positive by 2050. Addressing these challenges requires fresh perspectives and collective efforts. Early on, we recognized that many other cities across Europe share similar challenges, and we realized the importance of linking arms and learning from one another.
Our application is built on a strong foundation of collaboration – locally, regionally, and internationally. Through the theme “Between the Lines,” we address how culture can serve as a catalyst to connect people, places, and sectors. In light of our rapid growth, major investments in infrastructure, and increasing social divides, we aim to explore how life between the lines – physical, social, and metaphorical – can capture the unseen and the unspoken, and how culture can create new opportunities and meeting places.
We have also established an extensive European network of partners, enabling us to take an active role in international cultural and sustainability projects. Our world-renowned universities, Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, are central to this endeavor, contributing research, innovation, and knowledge exchange to strengthen the connections between culture, societal development, and sustainability. Their engagement is crucial in integrating new ideas and fostering collaboration between research and cultural practice.
Our vision is to make culture a leading force in the transition toward sustainability. By integrating green initiatives and creating new ways to engage local and international stakeholders, we aim to contribute to a broader understanding of climate issues. Our efforts also extend to social inclusion through projects that promote participation, accessibility, and equality. This is about making culture a natural and essential part of people’s lives.
We are ready to become the European Capital of Culture in 2029 – for Uppsala, for the region, and for Europe. Together, we can make a difference!
The Vision: Culture as a Force for Change
Our application is about more than becoming a European Capital of Culture. It represents a cultural process designed to create new conditions for culture throughout the region while connecting it to more sectors of society. By harnessing the power of culture, we aim to strengthen participation and engagement – thereby contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Our vision is to use culture as a catalyst to address the major societal challenges facing Uppsala and the region. The city’s and county’s rapid development entails significant investments in infrastructure – new neighborhoods, public transportation, railways, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways. These lines shape the physical landscape. But it is between the lines – Between the Lines – where life happens. This is where people build what truly makes a society: connections, ideas, community, and collaboration.
Through our application, we seek to create new meeting places and explore innovative ways to bring culture, societal development, and sustainability together. This includes highlighting the unique qualities of both the city and the countryside and fostering stronger connections between them. By integrating culture into the development of Uppsala and the region, we see an opportunity to build a society where everyone feels included.
We believe in culture’s power to bring people together and drive lasting change. Our vision is to use this power to shape a more sustainable and cohesive society – not just for 2029, but for many years to come.
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