All nine Lublin universities recently declared their support for the bid, together with the City of Lublin. Senior leaders signed letters of intent, declaring that they will collectively continue to support cultural activities as a means of contributing to the long-term development of the city. This joint commitment from Lublin’s academic community and the city council demonstrates unity, and will strengthen Lublin’s bid for the title. The results will be announced at the end of September.

The European Capital of Culture idea was started 40 years ago in Greece, with the intention of strengthening the integration of nations across the European Union. Holders of the title are required to deliver a year-long programme that focuses on the cultural potential of their city, region, and country, within an overall European context. So far, over 60 cities have held the title, including two in Poland: Kraków in 2000 and Wrocław in 2016. Over time, the emphasis has shifted towards smaller cities that have yet to fully reach their potential, giving many more cities the opportunity to promote their cultural richness, and to capitalise on the wider benefits for their residents.

The ECoC competition is not only about great festivals, prestigious performances, and exhibitions showcasing the  cultural richness and diversity of Europe, it also promotes common values and strengthens a sense of community and integration. It can also be an opportunity to identify and tackle city challenges, and to improve the general well-being of the population.

Cooperation between local government, universities, and the creative sector in Lublin already formed an important strand of the Lublin 2030 Strategy, but it now has greater significance in light of the city’s Capital of Culture aspirations. A recent agreement between Lublin University of Technology and the City of Lublin, with cooperation from the Lublin Film Fund, will provide students taking Multimedia Engineering courses with access onto real film sets, as well as valuable experience in television and radio production – educating the next generation of film-makers and multi-media creatives in the city.

A series of high-profile events to commemorate the 455th anniversary of the Polish-Lithuanian Union reinforces Lublin’s rich historical and cultural heritage, and provides further support for the city’s ECoC bid. The celebrations will include artistic performances from Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine as well as exhibitions and a guided  educational programme, “In the footsteps of the Union of Lublin”, which commemorates one of the most significant events in the history of Poland and Lithuania.