Uppsala Applies to Become European Capital of Culture 2029

This marks a new phase in Uppsala's journey towards becoming the European Capital of Culture. The first phase, ongoing since 2018, involved nearly 2000 people and many organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally. The fruit of this collective effort is the approved application.

The European Capital of Culture program aims to showcase the cultural richness, diversity, and community spirit in Europe, fostering mutual understanding among residents of different countries. Uppsala's ambition for this cultural capital year is to use culture to build a more sustainable society with active citizen participation in the transition.

"Uppsala's cultural life fosters participation and engagement, opens up new perspectives, and creates new ideas. All cultural practitioners in Uppsala have made it possible for us to submit a strong application that could attract international interest in our city's cultural scene," said Erik Pelling (Social Democratic Party), Chair of Uppsala Municipal Board.

The application, approved on December 13, addresses questions posed by the European Commission to candidate cities. It also outlines the vision for Uppsala's Cultural Capital year, known as "Between the Lines."

The concept 'Between the Lines' is a metaphor based on upcoming investments in Uppsala. Urban and rural planning, bus and tram lines, cycling paths, and walkways form the lines. Between the lines – we, the people, build what is the very fabric of society.

"Our application is focused on strengthening the development of Uppsala's local cultural life, both in the city and in rural areas. We aim to increase participation in our rich cultural life for all residents of the municipality. Culture is also a crucial piece in the municipality's goal to be climate-neutral by 2030 and climate-positive by 2050," said Linda Eskilsson (Green Party), Councilor and Chair of the Culture Committee.

A Cultural Capital year relies on broad engagement throughout society. The project is a collective effort for the entire region, and there has been strong support from the cultural sector, Region Uppsala, the business community, both universities in Uppsala, and citizens throughout the process.

The results of the application work are already visible today, with the formation of new networks and the initiation of various projects. Over two years, project funding from the cultural committee has been available in connection with the Cultural Capital year, fostering dialogue and collaboration during the application period.