Esch-sur-Alzette wins bid to become European Capital of Culture 2022

Two years of hard work, creativity and dedication have paid off: The southern town, home of the University's main Belval Campus, will become the centre of gravity for cultural activity in 2022.

The University extends heartfelt compliments to all persons and organisations who have worked tirelessly to open the region to an international audience.

European Capitals of Culture work in pairs, and Esch-sur-Alzette will share the title with the Lithuanian town of Kaunas.

Under the motto "Remix Culture", the candidacy reflected the multicultural identity of the country. A jury consisting of art expert Robert Philippart, Czech artist Jiri Suchanek and Alain Hutchinson, European Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations, decided on 10 November on the winning bid.

The University of Luxembourg actively participated in the contest, by promoting innovative research and education projects in the portfolio submitted in September. During the visit of the jury to Belval, the Centre for Digital and Contemporary History presented several projects, such as a digital video-walk from Esch to Belval.

It will be the third time the Grand Duchy holds the Capital of Culture title: in 1995 Luxembourg City was the European Capital of Culture, while in 2007 the capital was at the heart of a programme that encompassed the Greater region.

More information can be found on the Esch 2022 website.

Copyright: Roger Wagner