PRESS RELEASE
The cultural scene needs a shared beacon that stakeholders throughout the region around Elsinore can look to for guidance. That is the short version of the vision for Elsinore as European Capital of Culture the next time the title is awarded to Denmark—in 2032.
To some, this may sound like pure fantasy. Nevertheless, the association’s newly elected chair believes that Elsinore 2032 is working hard to bring together stakeholders in the project aimed at securing the title for this cosmopolitan bridgehead between Denmark and Sweden:
– When the competition to become European Capital of Culture opens later this year, Elsinore must be ready to enter the race. That is why the entire city has been invited to join the project. Citizens, associations, business owners, and cultural organizations should be able to see themselves reflected in the project, which now, with the municipality as the association’s newest member, also enjoys political backing (Jens Frimann Hansen, who serves as the director of Helsingør Theater).
At an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday, virtually the entire current board stepped down to make way for new members, who will now carry on the cultural torch. The outgoing chairman, Aslak Gottlieb, is pleased with the board’s new composition:
– The strength of the new board lies in its diversity, spanning culture, education, business, sports, and the volunteer sector. Private and public stakeholders must work together. And I also note that young people have been given a voice on the board. For a project with a seven-year timeline, children and young people are, after all, a crucial target group (Aslak Gottlieb, network leader at Vi samler hele Helsingør).
Luna Voss, a volunteer on the Helsingør music scene, agrees. She has been a member of the association and has been active as a youth ambassador. Now she has also been elected to the board and is looking forward to the work:
– I love music and culture, especially in our city. As a volunteer at local festivals and a music lover, I think it’s incredibly exciting that, as the European Capital of Culture, we can build connections with other young people across Europe. Although I see myself as a voice for the young people of Helsingør on the board, I don’t think it’s about generations. It is precisely through a vibrant cultural life that we build communities across ages, national borders, and much more (Luna Voss, volunteer).
Elsinore 2032 was established as an association in 2021. A large majority of the Helsingør City Council has decided to support the association’s work in 2025, when the Ministry of Culture is expected to launch the competition among Danish cities to become the European Capital of Culture in 2032—the next time it is Denmark’s turn to hold the title.
Board of Directors as of January 8, 2025
Anni Mogensen, Director of M/S Muset for Søfart
Christian Struckmann Irgens, Castle Manager at Kronborg
Erik Joosten, Chairman of FC Helsingør
Jens Frimann Hansen, Director of Helsingør Theater
Luna Voss, Volunteer
Nelima Lassen, Principal at the International Folk High School
Michael Mathiesen, Chairman of the Culture and Tourism Committee in Helsingør Municipality
Ole Skjellerup, Head of the Secretariat for the Comprehensive Social Housing Plan in Helsingør
Alternates:
Henrik Irgens, volunteer
Laura Ramberg, administrative director at HamletScenen
Aslak Gottlieb, network manager for Vi samler hele Helsingør
Contact
Jens Frimann Hansen: jfh@helsingor-teater.dk, 51 94 63 05
Aslak Gottlieb: kontakt@elsinore2032.dk, 41 40 49 58
