The bidbook is the candidacy document presenting the projects, commitments and ambitions that Molenbeek -supported by the 18 other Brussels municipalities and the entire Brussels-Capital Region- aimed to carry out if awarded the title of European Capital of Culture (ECOC).
The 5 priorities of the project:
- Empower young people to build their own future,
- Trigger social and urban transformations with artists and culture as driving forces,
- Embrace the super-diversity and multilingualism of Molenbeek and Brussels as strengths and assets,
- Contribute to a future where nature and public space -as spaces of culture and safety- are at the heart of the city,
- Make art and culture part of everyday life, making them as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Pictures : Bryan Nicola Maxwell, Molenbeek for Brussels 2030
A shared framework for all candidate cities
Every city applying for the title of European Capital of Culture follows a structured process defined by the European Commission. This ensures that each cultural project is based on a clear vision, strong local roots, and a genuine European dimension.
The process begins with the submission of the “Bidbook”, or application file. This document, a true cultural manifesto, is submitted to an independent international jury composed of experts from the cultural, artistic and institutional sectors.
A second bid
After submitting its first bidbook at the end of 2024 (available here), Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 was selected as one of the three finalists among six Belgian cities, alongside Leuven and Namur. During this pre-selection phase, the first document outlined the overall vision, values, cultural pillars, and initial programming ideas.
The second volume of the Bidbook deepens and strengthens the candidacy. It details the cultural projects, local and European partnerships, social and participatory dimensions, communication strategy, as well as long-term funding and legacy plans.
A project built with, by and for its residents
The result of four years of collective work, this document was created in close collaboration with residents, artists, schools, associations and numerous local partners.
MB2030 embodies a project born from civil society, making culture a driver of social, urban and cultural transformation, shaped by the concept of Sadaka – an international word found in many languages and cultures, expressing generosity, sharing and solidarity without expecting anything in return.
Discover our application dossier for a more generous Europe
