All Brussels' 19 municipalities support the candidacy of "Molenbeek for Brussels 2030" as the European Capital of Culture in 2030, the office of Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort announced in a press release.
Vervoort, Molenbeek Mayor Catherine Moureaxu and the two commissioners of the "Molenbeek for Brussels 2030" candidacy, Fatima Zibouh and Jan Goossens, highlighted the unity and cultural ambition of Brussels in a meeting on Wednesday – marking a pivotal moment for Molenbeek's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2030.
Under the motto "if social cohesion through culture works in Molenbeek, it will work elsewhere," the meeting aimed to get the Capital Region and the 19 municipalities to join hands to work together on "Molenbeek for Brussels 2030."
The two mission holders shared their visions on how to highlight the cultural and artistic richness of Molenbeek and all the Brussels communes to foster cooperation and inclusion and promote cultures from across the Brussels region.
Credit: Hamza Yesilordek
"We met with each municipality, through the mayor and/or city councillor for culture, and we were delighted to discover the enthusiasm around Molenbeek's candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture," said Fatima Zibouh and Jan Goossens, mission holders of MB2030.
"We are determined to work with all municipalities, starting with Molenbeek, to maximise our chances of success," they said, adding that they want to highlight the cultural and artistic richness of Molenbeek, but also that of the other 18 municipalities in Brussels.
This initiative aims not only to accentuate Molenbeek's "hyper-diverse cultural dynamics," but also to give visibility to socio-cultural initiatives in Brussels. By highlighting the strength of the cultural sector, "Molenbeek for Brussels 2030" aims to position the Capital Region as a beacon of culture in Europe.
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"The intention is to involve the entire Brussels territory in the 'Molenbeek for Brussels 2030' candidacy. I am delighted that the mayors and city councillors of the 19 Brussels municipalities are showing such enthusiasm," said Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort in a press release.
"This candidacy is of symbolic importance in several ways. First of all, to show how much our capital is buzzing with culture and to put the spotlight on our artists and cultural players, but also and above all, in the year when Belgium celebrates its bicentenary, to chart the path towards the culture of the future, namely a culture that builds bridges instead of walls," he added.
Molenbeek Mayor Catherine Moureaux called the candidacy "a great opportunity both for Brussels and Europe," as well as a unique chance for the Capital Region to shine from Molenbeek. "The cooperation of all Brussels municipalities and the support of the Capital Region are essential conditions for winning together."
