… leading to increased growth, prosperity, and economic development, but the path to achieving this is resource-intensive, and realizing these benefits requires a joint effort across a broad range of stakeholders and significant commitment from local and national governments.
This is how Deloitte begins the report documenting the consultants’ preliminary study of Elsinore’s potential as European Capital of Culture in 2032.
Elsinore 2032 co-funded the study and served on the municipal steering committee behind the report. We agree with the report’s conclusion, but not with the use of “but” in the introduction. The fact that the project is resource-intensive and requires a joint effort is precisely the point: If we wish to realize the full potential of the city’s already achieved results as a City of Culture, it requires greater investment and coordination than is currently the case.
So, yes. Becoming a European Capital of Culture is, of course, not a free ride. That said, the report points to significant benefits associated with the initiative—provided, of course, that it is approached in the right way:
The report estimates that the event alone will generate additional revenue of over half a billion kroner in Elsinore and potentially create 1,100 new jobs.
In the SWOT analysis, the report highlights increased opportunities to:
- Develop a new vision for Helsingør that can future-proof the city and generate economic, social, and cultural benefits—such as an increase in population, greater investment, and higher levels of well-being and quality of life—as a result of expanded cultural offerings, diversity, and social cohesion
- Strengthen collaboration between the business community, the cultural sector, associations, municipalities, and volunteers, enabling them to co-create the welfare solutions of the future and generally enhance innovation capacity
- Support the development of cultural talent
- Further develop Elsinore as a cultural hub in the Capital Region
- Strengthen Helsingør's brand nationally and in Europe
- Experience a year of art and culture at the highest international level
- Fostering local pride and engagement
- Attract investment and foster development in cultural and experiential offerings
- Secure significant external funding—including from the government and foundations
- Strengthen cooperation at the local, regional, national, and international levels
- Attract private investment and increase revenue
- Increase the number of overnight stays and tourism revenue
- Receive significant media coverage both domestically and internationally
The report will serve as the basis for a policy decision to include the potential 10-million-dollar investment in the application for the title as a request for the fall budget seminar, where the final decision on whether to pursue the title will be made. Initially, the Culture Committee will address the matter politically. This will take place at their meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
