Oviedo advances in its bid for European Capital of Culture with its participation in the Culture Next conference in the Netherlands
The artistic director of the candidacy, Natalia Álvarez Simó, attended the 14th Culture Next Conference, held from July 8 to 10 in Leeuwarden (Netherlands), as an observer. This European forum focuses on cultural participation, with a special emphasis on youth.
The conference brought together representatives from over 50 European cities, youth delegations aged 18 to 27, local artists and cultural organisations. Its agenda included lectures, workshops, collaborative sessions and networking spaces, all with a shared objective: to exchange experiences, build new alliances and design joint strategies to promote the active involvement of young people in the cultural life of cities.
Oviedo shared working spaces with other candidate cities —some that have already held the title, and others that, although they didn’t obtain it, continue to develop strong cultural programmes. This international collaboration is essential to nourish Oviedo’s candidacy, generate synergies and help shape a shared European cultural vision.
The event ran in parallel with Arcadia, the legacy programme of Leeuwarden as European Capital of Culture 2018, which transforms the city and its surroundings into a vibrant stage for 100 days of artistic programming. This context enriched the conference experience, offering a valuable connection between theory, practice and lived experience.
Culture Next, the network behind the event, is an informal, inclusive and collaborative platform that brings together more than 40 European cities committed to culture as a driver of urban development, social cohesion and democratic innovation. The network fosters mutual support among candidate cities and promotes open and lasting cultural dialogue around contemporary challenges.
Oviedo’s presence in this forum reaffirms its commitment to a solid, forward-looking candidacy, grounded in collaboration, citizen participation, collective memory and a shared European future.
