Every year, European cities represent the European Capitals of Culture (ECOC). The initiative was developed in 1985 and has already been awarded to more than 50 cities. Selected cities receive €1.5 million in funding from the “Creative Europe” programme.It is designed to foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities. Moreover, it aims to highlight richness and diversity across Europe.
Bodø in Norway will be European Capital of Culture 2024, together with Tartu in Estonia and Bad Ischl in Austria. Programme planning is actively ongoing in the three cities.
Bodø 2024's ARTICulation programme has three main themes: The Art of Nature; Fish and Ships; Transition.Tartu 2024 has announced calls for proposals for international projects and also has three themes: Tartu with Earth; Tartu with Humanity; Tartu with Europe. Bad Ischl and Salzkammergut 2024 has announced the concept programme: this is the first time that ECoC is taking place in an inner-alpine rural region, comprising 23 municipalities of Upper Austria and Styria.
Further information from European Commission on designated European Capitals of Culture till 2026