So, that's the title of the core narrative that the board adopted in early March '22 after about six months of development work. The goal of this narrative is to create a visionary framework for the development work leading up to the application deadline in – expectedly – 2026.
The narrative looks at Helsingør's past, present, and future. And we mean all of Helsingør, from Hornbæk to Espergærde. But it also includes the rest of North Zealand and northwestern Skåne. The title of European Capital of Culture is only given to one city, but the chances of winning are slim if the applicants don't manage to unite the region.
Throughout history, Helsingør has managed to reinvent itself and its identity many times. The herring, the Sound Dues, and the ships each represent a different era. Looking ahead to 2032 and beyond, culture will be what defines Helsingør's identity. Culture needs to become a central point that can bring local communities together.
Excerpt from the core story
Bringing people together is a recurring theme in our core narrative. How do we use culture as a tool to build communities across the big demographic differences that characterize all of Helsingør? From the villas on Strandvejen to Vapnagaard, as stated in our vision.
Everyone can read the core narrative right here on our website. During spring '22, it will be brought into play at workshops for both kids and adults, giving them a chance to share their interpretations and ideas on how European Capital of Culture 2032 can best make sense for all of Helsingør – and the region around us.
The Capital of Culture aims to connect and build bridges between groups and social segments that live close by but often feel like strangers to each other. Today's biggest contrasts in Helsingør are socioeconomic. On Strandvejen in Helsingør, you'll find some of the country's most expensive property deals among enthusiasts, while residents in public housing just a few kilometers away have had to fight to get rid of the authorities' 'ghetto' classification.
Excerpt from the core story
