Chemnitz und Nova GoricaGorizia verabschieden sich aus dem Jahr als Kulturhauptstädte Europas 2025
Memorandum zur künftigen Kooperation der Städte unterzeichnet
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze took part in the official handover of the baton for the European Capital of Culture in Nova Gorica/Gorizia this evening. He was accompanied by the two managing directors of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH, Andrea Pier and Stefan Schmidtke. The ceremony took place in the late afternoon on Trg Evrope/Piazza Transalpina, the central square directly on the border between Slovenia and Italy. Representatives of the current and upcoming European Capitals of Culture - Chemnitz 2025, Nova Gorica/Gorizia 2025, Oulu 2026 and Trenčín 2026 - were present.
At the public ceremony, Samo Turel (Nova Gorica) handed over the baton of the European Capital of Culture to Richard Rybníček (Trenčín), while Lord Mayor Sven Schulze handed it over to Lauri Nikula (Oulu). The sculpture "UNITY - The Flame" by Luxembourg glass artist Pascale Seil ("Made by Seil") serves as a symbolic baton. The shape of the flame stands for power and infinity, the material glass for transparency and lightness, the colours for diversity and cohesion: unity for Europe. The official handover ceremony is taking place for the fourth time in a row and was initiated by the Esch 2022 European Conference. Delegations from Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Finland and Slovakia took part in the event.
The programme included a parade of lights and music, which started from both sides of the border and met at the central event square at the border point, Trg Evrope/Piazza Transalpina. The procession was accompanied by a large group of children who sang farewell to the Capital of Culture. The finale was a performance by German producer and DJ Fritz Kalkbrenner, who had already opened the Capital of Culture year 2025 in Chemnitz.
At midday, the mayors Samo Turel (Nova Gorica), Rodolfo Ziberna (Gorizia) and Lord Mayor Sven Schulze signed a memorandum in which they agreed to continue working together beyond the Capital of Culture year.
Quotes
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze: "The signing of our memorandum shows how close and trusting the partnership between Chemnitz and Nova Gorica/Gorizia has become. Cooperation has become genuine friendship. This cooperation across national borders is an example of what Europe is all about: finding solutions together, learning from each other and taking a stand. Today, we are passing the baton on to Trenčín and Oulu and hope that their European Capital of Culture year will unleash just as much self-confidence and open up new paths as it did for us."
Andrea Pier, Commercial Director of Chemnitz 2025: "With the handover of the baton to Oulu and Trenčín, we once again feel what the ECoC Family, the community of European Capitals of Culture, really means. The ECoC Family has supported and inspired us over the last few years and shown that no European Capital of Culture can go it alone. Now I wish Oulu and Trenčín an unforgettable 2026."
Stefan Schmidtke, Managing Director of the Chemnitz 2025 programme: "We were particularly pleased with the close and inspiring collaboration with our international partners this year. Special thanks go to our partner Capital of Culture Nova Gorica 2025. We discovered new perspectives and at the same time realised how much we have in common: two Eastern European cities characterised by their upheavals. I am delighted that we were able to be European Capital of Culture together this year and look forward to new perspectives and impulses from Trenčín and Oulu in the coming year."
Samo Turel, Mayor of Nova Gorica: "I wish all those to whom we are handing over the title today a successful year. May the ECoC project bring them satisfaction, successfully realised plans and fulfilled goals. I also wish them a lot of patience - I know from my own experience that a very intensive period awaits them. Above all, I wish them the same success that we have enjoyed: that they achieve the goals set out in their application book and continue to work successfully with us in the future."
Rodolfo Ziberna, Mayor of Gorizia: "We will have the opportunity to analyse in detail the results of this extraordinary European Capital of Culture, which, as international observers have repeatedly pointed out, was the best of those awarded so far. We have realised GO! 2025 thanks to the extraordinary cooperation of the region and other stakeholders, but also together with numerous associations and citizens. I will never forget the "spirit of 8 February" that permeated the city: Gorizia can give a lot, and I am proud to be the mayor of this city."
Patrik Žák, Deputy Mayor of Trenčín: "Being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture was a historic moment for Trenčín. It is not only a prestigious honour, but above all a great opportunity for change - for our city, our region and our people. Culture has the power to bring energy, visibility and long-term added value. We are determined to make the most of this opportunity."
Ari Alatossava, Mayor of the City of Oulu: "Oulu is committed to 'cultural climate change' - a movement that uses art, creativity and participation to promote a more open, sustainable and inclusive society. We organise almost 3,000 events in the city and the region. This is the result of years of preparation, new venues and partnerships with 39 municipalities. Visitors experience world-class festivals, local specialities and the unique spirit of northern culture - from the north, for the world."
