Call for submission of applications for the Union action “European Capital of Culture” for the year 2031 in Malta
Throughout history, Europe has been a hub of artistic development of exceptional richness and great diversity where European cities have played a vital role in the formation and spread of culture.
The European Capital of Culture action is an initiative of the European Union governed by Decision No 445/2014/EU as amended by Decision (EU) 2017/1545 and by Decision (EU) 2020/2229 for the titles 2020 to 2033. It aims at highlighting this richness and diversity as well as common cultural aspects in Europe with a view to contributing to bring the peoples of Europe closer together and improve mutual understanding.
Against this backdrop, the general objectives of the European Capital of Culture action have been defined as follows: to safeguard and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe and to highlight the common features they share as well as to increase citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area, on the one hand, and to foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities at economic, social and urban level, in accordance with their respective strategies and priorities, on the other hand.
In line with these objectives, activities developed by the city that will be designated as European Capital of Culture will strive to enhance the range, diversity and European dimension of its cultural offering, including through transnational co-operation; to widen access to and participation in culture; to strengthen the capacity of its cultural sector and the links of the latter with other sectors and to raise its international profile through culture.
In accordance with the calendar set out in the Annex of Decision No 445/2014/EU as amended by Decision (EU) 2017/1545, the title of European Capital of Culture shall be awarded in 2031 to one city in Malta and to one city in Spain.
The aim of this call is:
- to trigger applications from cities in Malta wishing to bid for the “European Capital of Culture” title for the year 2031 and
- to lead to the designation of one of these cities, that may be awarded the Melina Mercouri prize, funded from the respective Union programme supporting culture at the time of its award.
To assist cities in the preparation of their bid, this call provides an overview of the criteria that will be applied for the assessment of their applications in accordance with the criteria set out in the Decision No 445/2014/EU as well as information about the selection procedure. In Annex 1, cities will also find the application form they have to complete in order to submit an application.
The Managing Authority in charge of the selection procedure for the European Capital of Culture title for the year 2031 in Malta is the Valletta Cultural Agency.
Further details on the European Capital of Culture action may be obtained at the following webpages:
– https://ec.europa.eu/culture/policies/culture-cities-and-regions/european-capitals-culture
DOWNLOAD THE FULL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: CLICK HERE
DOWNLOAD RULES OF PROCEDURE: CLICK HERE
