Leuven (Belgium). Louvain has five years to refine its project and get down to business. The Flemish city was indeed designated European Capital of Culture in 2030, ahead of the two other finalists which were Molenbeek and Namur. The European jury motivated its choice by the coherence of the project, the “Human Nature” concept of which is expressed both in the strategy, the program and its artistic, rigorous, fun and accessible dimension, as well as in its execution.
To celebrate humanity, the 171 different national origins of the City’s inhabitants will be honored in a “living library” of stories and life experiences. Renovated, the venerable Gothic town hall (see ill.) will become a “European House of Democracy”. A new museum dedicated to the Renaissance humanist doctor Andrew Vesalius will occupy the former anatomical theater. Another strong point, a new multi-purpose art center dedicated to performing arts or the Art Deco project for “artistic decolonization” which will highlight the dark side of Art Deco made possible by the exploitation of the human and natural resources of the colonies. The old bunkers from the Second World War will be transformed into spaces of creation and peace. The axis of nature will notably result in happenings around a whale carcass washed up in the city, the opening of cemeteries as meeting spaces between inhabitants and nature or even “The Ground Beneath our Feet”, an exhibition co-curated by the philosopher and ethologist Vinciane Despret at the Musée M. It will celebrate, through works of art from yesterday and today, the links between man, animals, vegetation and natural phenomena. Finally, the axis of innovation will be reflected on the Metaverse with a virtual city of Leuven, creative laboratories in the city hall and a light installation on the roof of the new performing arts center. This entire program will be embodied by the involvement of residents and artists from the City and the Region.
Taking into account Flemish and European identity
The jury also appreciated the strong European dimension reflected by the omnipresence of intercultural dialogue, clear links with the common European heritage and a developed network of transnational partners. The program has not forgotten the bilingual dimension specific to Belgium with a partnership with the town of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve which the jury also invites to strengthen.
In Louvain, the reactions are positive with a culture alderman, Bert Cornille, who is delighted to be able to reap the benefits for the next nine years. Researcher in cultural studies at KU Leuven, Jonas Rutgeerts highlights the financial dimension. “This title opens doors. This will free up additional resources, both at the federal and Flemish levels, for the cultural sector. More simply put, people will pick up their phone more quickly for cultural organizations in Louvain and its surroundings”he said at the microphone of Flemish radio and television VRT.
