14 abril

Grenada’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2031 has received key support following the evaluation of the report issued by the Ministry of Culture, which certifies the solidity of the project presented, and recognizes that the city is moving forward on the right path. The document highlights the important work done so far, while pointing out areas for improvement that the candidacy assumes as an opportunity to continue growing and reinforcing its proposal. In this context, Grenada faces this new phase with determination, with a clear roadmap and with the firm commitment of all the institutions involved.

The report highly values the institutional and political unity backing the candidacy, now bolstered by the effective support of the Junta de Andalucía, whose actual incorporation into the project will be realized by fully joining the already established Consortium. Likewise, the creation of this governance body is recognized as a fundamental milestone, as is the appointment of a Managing Director through a public call for applications, further advancing the professionalization of the project. Along these same lines, the candidacy has announced that the appointment of the Artistic Direction will be finalized in the coming weeks through an open and competitive process.

The mayor of Granada, Marifrán Carazo, noted that “the document highlights the solid strategic frameworks that underpin the candidacy, such as the Granada Metropolis 30/40 Strategy, the Urban Agenda or the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy, also highlighting the scientific, academic and independent approach of the monitoring and evaluation systems developed together with the University of Granada”.

Among the highlights, the report highlights the ambition and diversity of the cultural proposal, articulated around the so-called “four keys”, as well as the active involvement of citizens and the local cultural fabric. In this sense, the report acknowledges the significance of the 1,361 citizen proposals gathered through LabIN Granada, alongside key initiatives such as the Granada 2031 Children’s Council and the Citizen Participation Council, all of which bolster a model of participatory governance. However, it is suggested to simplify the structure of the project and improve the conceptual communication of its symbolic elements.

Carazo also stressed that the experts have especially valued “the connection between science and culture as one of the differential pillars of the candidacy, supported by a real ecosystem that integrates reference infrastructures such as the Science Park, the IFMIF-DONES or the Institute of Astrophysics-CSIC. Furthermore, the project boasts a solid European dimension, supported by the Erasmus program, the Arqus Alliance, and a range of ongoing international initiatives”.

The report also acknowledges the originality of the relationship with territories such as Ceuta and Melilla and the connection with previous European cultural capitals, although it recommends reinforcing strategies to attract European audience. The Culture Moves Europe initiative is positively valued, urging to deepen its development and concretion.

Furthermore, the Mayor expressed her satisfaction that the report considers the candidacy’s financial framework both ambitious and credible. This, coupled with the strength of the cultural infrastructure across both the city and the province, further reinforces the project’s overall viability.

“Granada has done an outstanding collective job, as the report shows, which will now serve as our compass to continue working with the aim of being the European Capital of Culture in 2031,” Carazo added.

We are pleased to welcome a report that validates the work accomplished so far and confirms that the project is moving forward with steady progress. At the same time, we responsibly embrace the recommendations provided, many of which are already underway or firmly committed. With the city, the entire province, and all of Andalusia driving us forward, Granada continues its journey toward achieving a recognition in 2031 that reflects its cultural identity, its capacity for innovation, and its European vocation,” the Mayor concluded.