THE TITLE DRIFTS AWAY,
YET THE CONFLUENCES ENDURE.

OUR CITY HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED:
THE ENCOUNTERS, THE PROJECTS, THE IDEAS
WILL KEEP ON RESONATING! THANK YOU ALL!

A PROJECT FOR SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COHESION

Namur, candidate city

Namur European Capital of Culture is an inclusive, ambitious project, driven by social and territorial cohesion. Above all, this bid is a human and unifying project that will be co-constructed beyond 2030, with the aim of creating long-term benefits and a strong legacy for future generations.

Hosting this initiative means much more than organizing a year-long cultural program. It’s an opportunity to energize the region, unite Namur’s players around a common project, consolidate Namur’s role as the political capital of Wallonia and, more generally, re-enchant people with their territory and their roots.

What is a European Capital of Culture?

The title of European Capital of Culture was created in 1985 by Melina Mercouri, then Greek Minister of Culture. Each year, the title is awarded to a city which, over the course of a year, implements an ambitious cultural program of international scope, with long-term repercussions for tourism, culture, the economy and social cohesion.

Why did Namur apply?

More than ever, culture remains a priority for Namur. The title of CEC will enable us to consolidate the actions undertaken over the past ten years and to implement new, stimulating and unifying projects. Namur wishes to pursue the expansion and transversality of Culture in many fields and sectors to make Namur and its surrounding area a more vibrant, healthy, resilient, creative and inclusive space.

More than a cultural project, a territorial project

Being European Capital of Culture is not just a cultural project. First and foremost, it’s a fabulous project for the territory(ies) in which culture is the common thread, but takes on an even greater meaning when it brings together associative, economic and cultural players and citizens towards shared futures. When it embodies a true confluence of futures.  

Report Boukè

Namur 2030: A brief history of a major project

On October 24, 2024, Namur was selected for the second round of the European Capital of Culture 2030 competition. The Namur-based channel Boukè featured a report highlighting the work carried out by the Namur 2030 team, driven by exceptional momentum, to reach this symbolic and crucial milestone.

NEWS

Latest news on the project