Young people from the cultural scene of Nikšić have proven that our city has the strength to once again be the cultural center of Montenegro, announced the Mayor of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević.
The Nikšić 2030 European Capital of Culture - Candidate City Office announced that with a ceremonial promotion at the 68th International Belgrade Book Fair, in the "Vasko Popa" Hall, Nikšić officially marked the acquisition of the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture for 2030 for the first time.
Kovačević pointed out that this moment has special symbolism, because it was at the Belgrade Book Fair two years ago that the idea of Nikšić's candidacy was launched.
"In this same place two years ago, we decided to start the process of Nikšić's candidacy for the European Capital of Culture. Two years later, we are returning here as a city that won that title. This is the result of the work and energy of young people from the Nikšić cultural scene, who have proven that our city has the strength to once again be the cultural center of Montenegro," said Kovačević.
The President of the Municipal Assembly (MA) of Nikšić, Milica Lalatović Žižić, said that the local parliament unanimously supported the initiative for Nikšić to run for this title, emphasizing pride and gratitude to the team that led the process.
"All councilors in the Municipal Assembly supported this decision, and it was my great pleasure as the President of the Parliament. We went to Brussels full of positive energy and faith that this story would succeed, and it really did. The greatest recognition goes to the young team that brought all this to fruition with their work, enthusiasm and faith in Nikšić," said Lalatović Žižić.
Project Manager of the Nikšić Office — European Capital of Culture 2030, Mato Uljarević, emphasized that the candidacy process brought concrete institutional results and new cultural foundations.
"We have established the first Cultural Development Strategy in Nikšić and formed a platform for strategic planning of cultural policies. An initiative has also been launched to establish a special Secretariat for Culture, which will make Nikšić unique in Montenegro. In cooperation with the University of Montenegro, we will implement a ten-year cultural evaluation project that will last until 2035," said Uljarević.
He added that Nikšić is increasingly becoming a center of cultural events in Montenegro and the region, just as it has been throughout its rich history.
The Operational Manager of the Nikšić — European Capital of Culture 2030 Office, Nemanja Popović, presented plans for new cultural infrastructure, including the completion of works on the House of Revolution, the renovation of the cultural and historical complex at King Nikola's Castle, the renovation of the Bedem fortress, as well as numerous other projects that will be implemented in the next five years.
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