Since December 31, 2021, it is now possible to apply for the title of “European Capital of Culture” for 2028, created and organized by the Ministry of Culture.
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, has already expressed his desire to win this label, which he describes as “an opportunity to make known and recognized throughout Europe the formidable artistic and cultural fabric of our territory.”
Indeed, like Paris, Avignon, Lille, and Marseille, which have already won this title, Nice intends to enhance its tourist attractiveness and spotlight its artistic and cultural heritage.
The cities in the running will have until December 1, 2022, to submit their applications. Interviewed by Nice-Matin in November, Christian Estrosi highlighted the diverse richness of the city, which he considers to be a major asset for winning this prestigious title:
“The border city has successively been Ligurian, Greek, Roman, then Ostrogothic of Italy, later becoming Genoese, Provençal, Savoyard, Piedmontese before becoming French in 1860 following a democratic process. From this history, we have inherited a unique architectural diversity in the world, rich in multiple influences. It was in Nice that peace in Europe was signed on June 18, 1538, between Francis I and Charles V, thanks to the involvement of Pope Paul III.
This history of Nice, both rooted and open, Mediterranean and Alpine, European and cosmopolitan, has also produced a unique architecture and landscape, which allowed us, last July, to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. All of this attests to the legitimacy of our city to become, in 2028, the ambassador of European cultural richness and diversity, and to testify, after Paris, Avignon, Lille, and Marseille, to the cultural dynamism of our territory.”
To strengthen its candidacy, the city of Nice has already signed an investment plan of 100 million euros, which will promote new actions focused on the creation and dissemination of the city’s cultural offerings between 2021 and 2026. The mayor of Nice also plans to reaffirm his support for creators and develop production and distribution venues like the 109, a hub dedicated to contemporary creation, located on Route de Turin in Nice.
Finally, by 2025, Christian Estrosi plans to introduce schoolchildren from the 151 establishments of the Nice territory to artistic disciplines.
