In 2030, Belgium and Cyprus will deliver the European Capitals of Culture, and Ghent is a candidate! To strengthen this candidacy, we organised the Doers and Thinkers Festival. A festival as a learning environment to connect doers and thinkers from parallel worlds and different communities in our city. Because through action, we learn! A mix of activities targeted key players in our city and inspired many city makers. The five-day event was a success with:
- 1,343 people registered
- 2,410 participations in 121 sessions
- 389 preparatory conversations and meetings
- 175 involved organisations
- 152 speakers
- 48 spaces across 13 locations
In addition to these figures, we were energised by the content of all the discussions. Our team took notes during each session, and this input is now being included in our dossier for Europe and towards the next step: the artistic vision and programme.
Under the motto 'tuupetegoare', we also took a group photo showing that we are all in this together as Ghent’s candidates!
During inspiration sessions, workshops, debates, brainstorming sessions, walks, and bike rides, residents of Ghent were invited to help shape the future of Ghent. Through knowledge sharing, methods, and inspiration, dialogues were held to collectively formulate answers to these questions:
Why and for whom do we want to be a Capital of Culture? How will we approach this together, and how can Ghent stand out? What values do we, as city makers, want to prioritise? What role can a key moment like the European Capital of Culture in 2030 play in the transition of our city, and how can Ghent inspire other cities in Europe?
Everyone who sees themselves as a doer or a thinker was welcome to contribute!
Relive the different festival days through these Facebook photo albums and aftermovie:
Day 1: Saint Peter's Abbey
Day 2: Bijloke Site
Day 3: Chinastraat / Visitor Centre Gent Sea Port
Day 4 Broei / De Centrale / Campo Boma / Amal
Day 5 Arsenaal Site / Chinastraat