At Elsinore 2032, they're both excited and happy about the political proposal to map out the potential.
Make or break! That's how the board of Elsinore 2032 sees the possible outcomes of the political case regarding a preliminary study of Helsingør's potential as European Capital of Culture. But the excitement is mixed with both pride and joy. In the proposal, the association has actually been invited to collaborate on the preliminary study.
– Are you kidding me, I'm so excited about this, says Aslak Gottlieb.
As chairman of Elsinore 2032, he and the association's board have worked intensely for three years to mature a political decision for Helsingør to go for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2032, when Denmark next has the honorable hosting duty.
In December 2023, he and the association's vice-chairwoman, Eva Hjelms, were invited by the City Council's culture committee to present the idea of Helsingør as European Capital of Culture. The meeting resulted in the municipal administration now proposing a preliminary study, which will form the basis for the City Council's decision on whether to pursue the title.
– We're really happy about that. And proud that they're acknowledging our efforts by inviting us to collaborate, says the chairman, who sees great potential in the situation and adds:
– This initial process alone can develop relationships between citizens, associations, businesses, educational institutions, cultural institutions, and the municipality. We'll advocate for a preliminary study that involves both local stakeholders and reaches beyond the city limits. Naturally, all of Europe is in play. But Skåne and the municipalities in North Zealand are particularly important players. In fact, as a European Capital of Culture, you represent all of Denmark.
When asked if it isn't a terrible lot of money to spend on culture when welfare areas are so strained, the chairman is convinced that it's money well spent:
– Helsingør will, of course, design a project where we get a broad and long-lasting effect from the investments, including in welfare and education. Remember that the state, region, EU, and foundations typically multiply municipal investments in the actual Capital of Culture year. It's also well-documented from other Capitals of Culture that businesses manage to create more jobs and increased revenue through the initiative. But in the long run, the real gain is building capacity in the cultural sector to open the city to Europe and engage artists, cultural players, and the local community.
So far, no other Danish cities besides Næstved have announced plans to go for the title. Aslak Gottlieb has no doubt that Helsingør can beat the South Zealanders: – The last 15 years of focusing on transforming Helsingør through culture from a failed shipyard town to a thriving host city means we're ahead on points. Helsingør has a strong cultural scene that can compete with Copenhagen's. We're on a strong platform when the city's cultural players hopefully come together to win the title of European Capital of Culture in 2032. Plus, we have the 600-year anniversary in 2026, which can be strategically and practically linked with this big vision.
For more information: The association's chairman Aslak Gottlieb, 41 40 49 58.
