That is the title of the core narrative adopted by the board in early March 2022 after approximately six months of development work. The goal of the narrative is to create a visionary framework for the development work leading up to the application deadline in—expectedly—2026.
The narrative engages with Helsingør’s past, present, and future. All of Helsingør, that is. From Hornbæk to Espergærde. But also to the rest of North Zealand and northwestern Skåne. The title of European Capital of Culture is awarded exclusively to a single city, but the likelihood of winning it is slim unless the applicants succeed in uniting the region.
Throughout history, Elsinore has been able to reinvent itself and its identity time and again. Herring, the Sound toll, and ships each represent a different era. Looking ahead to 2032 and beyond, culture will define Elsinore’s identity. Culture will become a focal point capable of fostering a sense of community across all sectors.
Excerpt from the core narrative
Community is a recurring theme in the core narrative. How can we use culture as a tool to build communities across the wide demographic diversity that characterizes all of Helsingør—from the villas on Strandvej to Vapnagaard, as stated in the vision.
Everyone can read the core narrative, which is available here on the website. Throughout the spring of 2022, it will be brought to life in workshops for both children and adults, who will have the opportunity to share their interpretations and ideas on how the European Capital of Culture 2032 can best benefit all of Elsinore—and the surrounding region.
The Capital of Culture must connect and build bridges between groups and social segments that live in close proximity but remain strangers to one another. Today’s greatest divisions in Elsinore are socioeconomic. On Strandvejen in Elsinore, some of the country’s most expensive real estate transactions take place among affluent buyers, while residents of public housing just a few kilometers away have had to fight to shed the authorities’ “ghetto” classification.
Excerpt from the core narrative
