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A high-ranking delegation from Chemnitz is travelling to the Slovenian-Italian border town of Nova Gorica/Gorizia for the opening ceremony of the European Capital of Culture.
From 7 to 9 February, Lord Mayor Sven Schulze, Mayor of Culture Dagmar Ruscheinsky and the management of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH, Andrea Pier and Stefan Schmidtke, will take part in the celebrations.
Highlights of the opening weekend in Nova Gorica and Gorizia include the cross-border opening ceremony "From Station to Station" on 8 February, which will take place on the Slovenian cultural holiday, a cross-border parade and artistic performances. With its motto "GO! Borderless", the Slovenian-Italian twin city is focussing on cultural cooperation across borders.
The participation of the Chemnitz delegation underlines the close connection between the two European Capitals of Culture 2025. Chemnitz, Nova Gorica and Gorizia had already agreed to intensify their cooperation in September 2023. A key joint project is the "40 Years European Capital of Culture" conference from 3 to 5 April, which Chemnitz is hosting together with Nova Gorica/Gorizia. Former, current and future European Capitals of Culture will reflect on the development of the programme. In addition, the white paper "40 recommendations from 40 years of ECoC" with impulses for future Capitals of Culture will be presented.
In addition, cooperation in various cultural areas will continue. The cooperation between Makers United in Chemnitz and the Xcenter, the central maker hub of the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica/Gorizia, will be further intensified. Life stories from Chemnitz and Nova Gorica/Gorizia are documented in the multimedia exhibition "History of Citizens" at the Chemnitz Garage Campus. The renowned pianist Alexander Gadjiev, cultural ambassador of Nova Gorica/Gorizia, will give a concert at Villa Esche in Chemnitz on 14 February. There will also be a starting point for the European Peace Ride 2025 in Nova Gorica. And with the support of the EU Japan Festival, a Japanese artist will work with young people in both cities on a manga project, which will then be presented at the Kosmos Festival in Chemnitz.
"I am delighted that Nova Gorica and Gorizia are now also starting their Capital of Culture year. Our participation in the opening ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica is a strong sign of the bond between our cities. The coming months offer a unique opportunity to further deepen our cooperation and make European culture visible together. The European Capital of Culture is more than just a title - it creates sustainable connections and impulses that will last far beyond 2025," says Lord Mayor Sven Schulze.