... leading to increased growth, prosperity, and business development. But getting there takes a lot of resources, and to really see the benefits, we need a joint effort across a wide range of stakeholders, plus strong commitment from both local and national government.
That's how Deloitte kicks off their report, which looks into the potential for Helsingør to become the European Capital of Culture in 2032.
Elsinore 2032 helped fund the study and was part of the municipal steering group 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 requires resources and a joint effort is actually the whole point: if we want to unlock the full potential of the city's already impressive cultural achievements, it's going to take a bigger investment and more coordination than we have right now.
So, yeah. Becoming a European Capital of Culture definitely isn't a free ride. That said, the report points to some pretty big benefits if we tackle it the right way:
The report estimates that the title alone could generate over half a billion Danish kroner in extra revenue for Helsingør 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 create economic, social, and cultural benefits, like more residents, increased investments, and a higher level of well-being and thriving due to a richer cultural offering, diversity, and sense of community.
- Boost collaboration between businesses, the cultural sector, associations, municipalities, and volunteers, opening up possibilities to co-create future welfare solutions and generally increase innovation capacity.
- Support cultural talent development
- Further develop Helsingør as a cultural hub in the Capital Region
- Strengthen Helsingør's brand nationally and in Europe
- Enjoy a year of art and culture at the highest international level
- Create local pride and engagement
- Attract investments and development in the cultural and experience product
- Secure significant external co-financing – including from the state and foundations
- Strengthen collaboration locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
- Attract private investments and boost revenue
- Increase number of overnight stays and tourism revenue
- Gain significant media coverage at home and abroad
The report lays the groundwork for a political decision to propose the potentially 10 million DKK investment for the title application as a request for the autumn 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 happen at their meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
