Competition for European culture capital 2030 now open

The tussle for the coveted title of the Cyprus European Capital of Culture 2030 was launched officially on Monday.

The competition is between Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia.

“The deputy ministry, acting as the national managing authority, is initiating the first phase of the process today, which is the announcement for the call for applications,” said the Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou.
“The title of European Capital of Culture 2030 will bear great advantages for the city that will win the race, as it provides recognition, visibility, developmental prospects and progress.”
The process, according to Kassianidou, will comprise two phases, namely the pre-selection and the selection phases.
The first one will conclude on December 13, 2024, with the submission of proposals and applications from the cities.
The second phase is expected to be completed by late 2025, and will decide the holder of the title for the year 2030.
“The title of European Capital of Culture 2030 will be awarded to a city in Cyprus, a city in Belgium, and to a city in a third country, which is a candidate or a potential candidate for EU accession,” the statement said.
“Cyprus held the title for the first time in 2017, with Paphos being the first city in the country to receive the honour of being the European Capital of Culture.”
Regarding the role of the deputy ministry, Kassianidou said that, as the responsible managing authority, it will oversee the competition for the selection of the city in Cyprus that will receive the title of European Capital of Culture for the year 2030, with the entire process organised in close cooperation with the European Commission.
Stressing the initiative’s significance, Kassianidou said that it aims “to showcase the richness, diversity, and common cultural aspects in Europe, contributing to bringing European people closer and enhancing mutual understanding.”
The call for applications and the Procedures of the Process are available at www.culture.gov.cy/ecoc2030cy).