In Elsinore 2032, people are both excited and looking forward to a political proposal to assess the potential.
It’s all or nothing! That’s how the board of Elsinore 2032 views the possible outcomes of the political initiative regarding a feasibility study on Helsingør’s potential as a European Capital of Culture. But the excitement is mixed with both pride and joy. In the proposal, the association has been invited to participate in the collaboration on the feasibility study.
“Are you crazy? I’m really looking forward to this,” says Aslak Gottlieb.
As chair of Elsinore 2032, he has worked tirelessly over the past three years alongside the association’s board to lay the groundwork for a political decision that Helsingør should bid for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2032, when Denmark next holds the prestigious title.
In December 2023, he and the association’s vice-chair, Eva Hjelms, were invited by the City Council’s Culture Committee to present the idea of Elsinore as a European Capital of Culture. As a result of the meeting, the municipal administration is now proposing a feasibility study to serve as the basis for the City Council’s decision on whether to pursue the title.
“We’re pleased about that. And proud that our efforts are being recognized in this way through an invitation to collaborate,” says the chairperson, who sees great potential in the situation and elaborates:
– This initial process alone can foster relationships between citizens, associations, the business community, educational institutions, cultural institutions, and the municipality. We will advocate for a feasibility study that involves local stakeholders and extends beyond the city limits. By its very nature, all of Europe is involved. But Skåne and the municipalities of North Zealand are particularly significant players. In fact, as European Capital of Culture, one represents all of Denmark.
When asked whether it isn’t an awful lot of money to spend on culture, given that welfare services are under such pressure, the chair is convinced that it is money well spent:
– Helsingør must, of course, design a project that ensures a broad and long-lasting impact from the investments, including in the areas of welfare and education. Keep in mind that the national government, the region, the EU, and foundations typically multiply municipal investments several times over during the Capital of Culture year itself. It is also well-documented from other Capital of Culture cities that the business community, through this initiative, manages to create more jobs and increase revenue. But in the long run, the real benefit lies in building capacity within the cultural sector to open the city to Europe and engage artists, cultural actors, and the local community.
So far, no other Danish cities besides Næstved have announced plans to vie for the title. Aslak Gottlieb has no doubt that Elsinore could beat the South Zealanders: “The past 15 years of efforts to use culture to transform Elsinore from a declining shipbuilding town into a thriving host city mean that we have the edge.” Elsinore has a vibrant cultural scene that can compete with Copenhagen’s. We stand on a strong foundation as the city’s cultural actors hopefully join forces to win the title of European Capital of Culture in 2032. And then there’s the 600th anniversary in 2026, which can be integrated with this grand vision both strategically and practically.
For further information: Aslak Gottlieb, President of the Association, 41 40 49 58.
