Our candidacy, which got us through the first round of selections for the title of European Capital of Culture, is a great opportunity to reimagine a creative, hyper-diverse, dynamic and sustainable Europe. The jury’s report on our first bid book has just been published, and it underlines this too.
“The programme is fresh and rich of interesting projects aimed to forge a ‘New Us,’ bridging cultural divides and empowering communities that felt to be set aside.”
– The Expert Panel’s report
Often misunderstood and even maligned, Molenbeek embodies the complexity, potential and challenges of the European continent and its citizens. With 140 nationalities and many languages, Molenbeek is at the intersection of the challenges and opportunities of our time.
“The theme of unconditional solidarity, embracing different cultures of citizens who do not share a common past, contributes to a more diverse cultural identity of Europe.”
– The Expert Panel’s report
Through the concept of Sadaka (which stands for solidarity, generosity, empathy and altruism), our candidacy aims to shape the future of a city based on the sharing of cultures and languages, equality, freedom and sustainability, where future generations will live in harmony with their environment. Molenbeek wants to create safe spaces that unite the freedom, well-being and diversity of its partner cities on a European scale.
“The plan to involve different unvoiced communities and the youth is well detailed.”
– The Expert Panel’s report
Our candidacy is an invitation to transform borders into bridges and tunnels, to form a ‘new us’ for an ambitious, inclusive and generous Europe.
“The plans for investments in cultural infrastructure are clear with well-defined projects focused on activating several cultural hotspots by repurposing industrial heritage.”
– The Expert Panel’s report
Read our ambitious vision in our bid book below, which got us through the first round of selections.
Let us all prepare the second round, which will take place in autumn 2025, so that together we can bring home the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030!
“Offering a daily fee for local or volunteers from all over Europe, as well as professional training, is a good strategy to reach out to those who would not normally come onboard.”
– The Expert Panel’s report
‘Molenbeek for Brussels 2030’s bid is symbolic in several ways. First of all, to showcase the cultural abundance of our capital, to promote our artists and cultural actors, but also and above all, to pave the way for what culture will be in the future, namely a culture that builds bridges rather than walls! I have every confidence in Molenbeek for Brussels 2030’s bid, which will showcase what’s being done in Brussels in terms of culture, while putting our artists at the heart of the project,’ says Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels Region.
Stay tuned ↯
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