Last night, a large majority in Helsingør City Council decided to set aside funds to prepare an application to become European Capital of Culture in 2032.
This decision includes funding for both the pre-qualification and final applications, plus a budget for running the secretariat if we get to host. These funds cover organization and administrative work. However, the program, activities, and artistic content will need to be funded through partnerships, foundations, national and European grants, and private involvement.
With this decision, Helsingør officially kicks off its bid to become Denmark's candidate city in 2032.
Jens Frimann Hansen, Chairman of the Elsinore 2032 association, says:
“We really appreciate the widespread political support. It takes both courage and strategic vision to prioritize a long-term development project where the real results won't be seen for several years. The City Council has shown that they're serious about Helsingør's future.”
He continues:
“What's really special about Helsingør's bid is that it grew from the ground up and involves all sorts of sectors. It's not just the cultural sector pushing this forward. Citizens, cultural institutions, and businesses started this initiative even before any political decision was made. This widespread local support has given us a strong and deep foundation. Now, it's time to roll up our sleeves!”
The Elsinore 2032 association currently has over 100 individual members and 36 companies and organizations. Since 2021, the association has been working to unite the municipality, local businesses, cultural institutions, and civil society into a formal partnership for the bid.
The upcoming work will be organized as a partnership between Helsingør Municipality and the Elsinore 2032 association. The pre-qualification application needs to be submitted by October 5, 2026, and then the final selection process will happen in 2027.
Regardless of the outcome, the association's goal is for the application process to strengthen collaboration across sectors and boost Helsingør's cultural and organizational capabilities.
Contact:
Jens Frimann Hansen
Chairman, Elsinore 2032
51 94 63 05
jfh@helsingor-teater.dk
