Mato Uljarević and Nemanja Popović presented the initiative "Nikšić 2030 European Capital of Culture" (EPK) at the 13th international Culture Next conference in the Romanian city of Cluj.
"In this way, Nikšić acquired all the prerequisites to become part of the international network of creative cities Culture Next, which includes dozens of European cities that were part of the EPK process. It is the largest and most relevant European network of cities in the context of the European Capital of Culture title, which enables a whole series of benefits for the cities that were candidates for this title, such as the exchange of cultural programs and networking of organizations, special mobility programs for cultural professionals, the possibility of bringing the most important European cultural experts as consultants for the cultural development of the city..." reads the press release .
As stated, the conference was attended by more than 100 delegates from various European cities, the most important experts in this field, such as former members of the commission for awarding the title, representatives of leading European cultural networks such as Trans Europe Halles, On The Move, European Festivals Association (EFA) and others.
"The Culture Next network is an example of maximizing the effect of the city's candidacy process for the title of European Capital of Culture. Our goal is to achieve as many benefits as possible for Nikšić, regardless of the final outcome of the candidacy, such as the development of the city's cultural strategy, the development of cultural sector capacities, the improvement of cultural infrastructure, international networking and the development of partnerships... Culture Next shows that the strategic commitment of the city towards culture and creative industries as a key resource, essentially more important than the EPK brand itself," said the project manager of Nikšić's candidacy for the EPK title, Mato Uljarević.
By the end of the year, Nikšić will submit a formal candidacy for membership in the network, which will enter a new cycle starting next year, with a larger number of member cities and increased benefits for these cities. Of the regional cities, only Novi Sad is part of this network for now.
The municipality of Nikšić recently submitted its candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030.
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