Culture Next is entering a new chapter in its journey. Founded in 2017, this network, which focuses on cities that are candidates for the title of European Capital of Culture—whether they have been awarded the title or not—has seen significant growth, attracting an increasing number of cities to join its ranks.
The mission of Culture Next is to enhance the implementation of European Capital of Culture initiatives across cities and regions in Europe, while also establishing a long-term vision for local development through culture and creativity. This mission has gained considerable recognition over time.
In the past seven years, we have organized 13 conferences across more than 10 European countries. We have facilitated numerous mobility programs for cultural professionals to exchange their experiences, and we have conducted various work sessions addressing a wide range of topics, including culture and youth, cultural financing, and other areas of interest to urban centers.
From 2022 to 2024, Culture Next received funding from the European Union’s Creative Europe Programme under the Network initiative. During this period, the network expanded from approximately a dozen members to 36 city members, which included 10 cities that have been, are, or will be designated as European Capitals of Culture, 16 former candidates, and 10 current candidates, representing 21 European countries.
As Culture Next moves into 2025, it enters a new phase with renewed funding from the European Union, again through the Creative Europe – Networks Programme. The network is set to further increase its number of participating cities, reaffirming its dedication to culture and Europe.
As a result of an open call directed at cities with prior connections to Culture Next, the network will commence 2025 with 28 full members and 11 observing members.
Among these 39 members:
- 13 have been, are, or will be European Capitals of Culture;
- 19 are cities that were candidates but did not receive the title;
- 7 are cities currently in the bidding process.
The 39 members represent 24 European countries.
Culture Next extends a warm welcome to its new members and those who have renewed their partnership with the network. A particular acknowledgment goes to the two cities in Ukraine that have joined the network, thereby facilitating the country’s involvement in this collaborative initiative.
List of names of full members (in alphabetical order)
- Aveiro, Portugal
- Bielsko-Biała, Poland
- Braga, Portugal
- Brno, Czech Republic
- Burgos, Spain
- České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Chemnitz, Germany
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Debrecen, Hungary
- Dublin, Ireland
- Elefsina, Greece
- Faro, Portugal
- Galway, Ireland
- Gent, Belgium
- Jerez de La Frontera, Spain
- Katowice, Poland
- Kortrijk, Belgium
- Larnaka, Cyprus
- Leeds, UK
- Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- Leuven, Belgium
- Lublin, Poland
- Matera, Italy
- Novi Sad, Serbia
- Oulu, Finland
- Plungė, Lithuania
- Trenčín, Slovakia
- Valmiera, Latvia
List of names of observing members (in alphabetical order)
- Donostia – San Sebastian, Spain
- Lemesos, Cyprus
- Molenbeek-Brussels, Belgium
- Namur, Belgium
- Niksic, Montenegro
- Odesa, Ukraine
- Oeiras, Portugal
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Rivne, Ukraine
- Rzeszow, Poland
- Timișoara, Romania
In early 2025, Culture Next will initiate a call for its members to submit proposals for organizing conferences in both 2025 and 2026, in addition to opportunities for managing Thematic Working Groups.
Updated on 02/01/2025
