JU Universal Hall Skopje, as the holder of the project “Skopje European Capital of Culture 2028”, invites all natural and legal persons (Non-Governmental Organizations, artists, cultural creators and experts, Public Institutions, National Institutions and all interested citizens) that gravitate to the territory of the city of Skopje, and to the territory of the Skopje planning region, to apply to the published call for the collection of project ideas, which will be included in the application book BID BUK as the last stage of the candidacy of the city of Skopje for the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture – EPK 2028.
As the capital of a country on the way to becoming a member of the European Union, we need to show Europe our cultural character and our rich cultural heritage shaped over the centuries through the intertwining and penetration of different ethnicities and cultures. The goal is to show the vibrant artistic potential of Skopje, as well as our vibrant and diverse cultural scene.
The motto of the application book for “Skopje European Capital of Culture 2028”: “CULTURE OVER DIVISION” – CULTURE OVER DIVISION
The conceptual idea is divided into four central themes, structured in the following four program directions:
- Art for hope – Art4Hope – Feelings of apathy and hopelessness represent one of the biggest obstacles to the development of both the individual and the community, and we have to fight against them with all our might. Within these frameworks, our priority is to encourage all artists and creatives to participate together with other citizens in creating hope and faith that Skopje can become a better place to live.
- Renovation – rECOvering – The violent and destructive urbanism implemented by previous city officials has left the city and its people more divided than ever. The necessary greenery in the city center has been completely destroyed. Skopje topped the charts for the most polluted cities in Europe and the world. Progressive and collaborative efforts as well as an intersectional approach are needed to ensure recovery and revitalization.
- Creating – CreARTing – ICT creators pave the way to the future. Not getting involved in dynamic technology trends means missing out on the future. That’s why we connect artistic creativity with new technologies and science; encouraging creative and cultural entrepreneurship; reducing the digital divide between generations; improving access to innovative technology-based education; encouraging the entrepreneurial thinking of young people, opening new jobs in the sector of creative industries; and put Skopje on the global map of creative cities.
Proposed projects can be implemented within one and/or more of the above topics and all should have the capacity to be implemented at the international level, including international partners.
Artists, creators and other cultural actors should propose their proposals on important issues related to the future of the city and the quality of life of its inhabitants within each program. The broad conception of culture as a “way of life” is our point of departure. In this way, we wish as many citizens as possible to get involved in the European Capital of Culture 2028 project, in order to stimulate their active engagement in dealing with issues of everyday life.
Application requirements:
Proposed projects should contain a summary of 200 to 500 words, in Macedonian, with basic information about the project, so that you answer the key questions:
· Project title, what topic is your project, what is the purpose of your project, why is it important for the topics you deal with, who is your target audience, how do you plan to realize your project, duration, specification of budget and planned project partners (local, national, European, international), project holder.
Regarding the focus and goal of the project, we suggest following the following directions: innovative IT projects, audience development, education, strengthening of financial capacities (through processes of co-financing at the local, state, international level, sponsorships, donations ), strengthening human capacities (through education and lifelong learning projects and involving as many local, regional and international artists and experts as possible in the project), volunteerism, participation, i.e. citizen participation, inclusiveness, through the collaboration of artists and experts at the local, regional and international level, as well as through the internationalization of the scene and residential programs.
It is important to note the following: if you submit applications with already existing programs, projects and events, with a certain tradition in maintaining them, realized by Public Institutions, Public Institutions and NGOs, they will not be supported in this Public Call.
The projects selected by the commission will be written in the application book Bid Book until 2028.
The application deadline is June 20, 2023 by 3:00 p.m..
