Nikšić's candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture (ECC) in 2030 already brings numerous benefits, but it also represents a significant step forward for the community, the city and the country, not only in the context of culture, but also as a clear statement of Nikšić's aspiration to position itself as a modern, contemporary, European center, open to new ideas, cooperation and transformation... Therefore, the city's chances of winning the prestigious title are good.
This is the conclusion of today's presentation called "Nikšić - a city finalist for the European Capital of Culture", which was held at the 19th International Podgorica Book and Education Fair, in the garage section of the "Big Fashion" shopping center in Podgorica.
Representatives of the initiative Mato Uljarević i Nemanja Popovic, headed by the President of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, They agreed that the initiative already brings numerous benefits in the cultural, educational, social, economic and touristic areas, not only for Nikšić, but also for the entire region and the country.
In addition, the initiative opens up space for long-term transformation of the local community, raises standards in planning and managing cultural policies, and encourages citizens to be active participants in shaping the future of their city.
The coordinator of the ECOC initiative, Mato Uljarević, pointed out that Nikšić expects a number of additional benefits through this project.
"Investments in cultural infrastructure are particularly important here. The vision of the application is to valorize the House of Revolution by 2030, which has been a black spot in the urban plan of Nikšić for years, so that it can finally become a space for cultural and social events. Part of the vision is already being realized through the new television building, a multifunctional hall whose construction will begin soon. I think we have a solid foundation for all plans to be realized, regardless of the final result of the candidacy," said Uljarević.
The initiative's manager, Nemanja Popović, emphasized that the title itself represents an instrument for setting culture and art as key priorities at the local and national levels, but also an opportunity for expressing identity.
"It is now almost standard that this title is awarded to smaller cities that, through their candidacy, not only change the lives of citizens who want to engage in art and culture, but also the standard of citizens in general. It is important to point out that the benefits are not exclusively related to culture, but also encompass the economy, as well as many other areas. The European Commission evaluates each application according to predetermined criteria: contribution to the long-term strategy, European dimension, cultural and artistic content, implementation capacity, social outreach, as well as management," he explained.
Uljarević added that the main mission of the European Capital of Culture project is to achieve the greatest possible number of social benefits in terms of solving social problems, reconciliation, development, cooperation within the city and the state, as well as the development of international partnerships...
"So, cultural benefits in terms of increasing cultural and creative capacities in the city, capacity development and support for people who are creative to implement certain cultural projects, develop cooperation with other organizations from other cities... It is crucial that the European dimension must be present in every aspect of the project, and this means that there is not a single project that is planned that does not have a partner from Europe involved in some way," said Uljarević.
Popović pointed out that the most important criterion has already been met, which is the program's alignment with the city's cultural development strategy, which testifies to the long-term vision of cultural development. The second criterion is an artistic program that has been designed in cooperation with a large number of organizations and institutions, both from Nikšić and beyond. Popović added that cooperation with experts from Europe in the field of culture, as well as the commission's report, is also of great importance.
Kovačević added that, regardless of the final outcome, one of the greatest significances of the project itself is actually learning about acting in the field of culture.
"We decided to change the approach to this story in some way, since we are not the first city from Montenegro to apply. We wanted to, regardless of the end result - whether we win the title or not, draw some benefits from this... First of all, to teach ourselves how to act in the field of culture in accordance with what are, conditionally speaking, European standards and values, or to be part of a wider system when it comes to culture. I think we have succeeded in that so far and now, in this final phase, we really feel that we are strong enough to push the story to the end in a quality way. We have a good chance and opportunity to win the title," said Kovačević.
Popović also recalled that the Government of Montenegro, at its 51st session, held on October 3, 2024, made a decision to support the project Nikšić 2030 - European Capital of Culture. The initiative also has the support of all parties in Nikšić.
"As a municipality, we have provided full support to the project and it is functioning successfully for now. Our city is already reaping the benefits that are currently reflected in cooperation with cities from Poland, Belgium, North Macedonia... We have already become part of the network of candidate cities," said Kovačević, adding that Nikšić is competing with another city in the final for the title of European Capital of Culture.
At the presentation, she also spoke: Edit Route, a representative of the city of Bielsko-Biala from Poland, who shared her positive impressions of Nikšić and expressed support for the initiative.
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