European Capital of Culture
In 2007, Lublin joined the group of Polish cities which were candidates for the title of European Capital of Culture, as one two cities from the eastern half of Poland the other being Białystok. Lublin won through to the second round with Spain in 2016 but ultimately Wrocław was chosen.
"Lublin is the city that symbolises European idea of integration, universal heritage of democracy and tolerance and the idea of dialogue between the cultures of the West and East. Lublin is a unique place where the cultures and religions meet. Here the East meets West, and the European Union meets Belarus and Ukraine. It is the perfect place of cooperation for European artists living within and outside the European Union. Lublin is a city open to artists, a place where unique initiatives and activities take place. Lublin means the experience of hundreds of years of rich history and cultural heritage which constitutes endless source of inspiration for new generations.
European Culture is not only modern museums and enormous festivals, but first of all people and their activities, aims, aspirations, possibilities, potential and the desire for development.The development of culture and being granted the title of European Capital of Culture is a chance for development of one the poorest regions of the European Union." — Adam Wasilewski, President of Lublin
Since 2007, there are special meetings, enter2016, which anyone could take part in. The City's Marketing Office have created a web page: Lublin2016.eu, available in Polish, English, Ukrainian, Spanish and Portuguese.
Lublin is a pilot city of the Council of Europe and the European Commission Intercultural cities programme.
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