ECoC legacy in Leeuwarden-Fryslân: we have only just begun!
More than sixty projects, three triennials, and loads of room for regional and international talent development. Today, Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2028 presented its programme ‘Generation 2028’, saying that the culture of Friesland must be strengthened in coming years: “and we will succeed if we are ambitious”.
The programme is built around three triennials (2022, 2025, and 2028). In these years a series of events, festivals, and more will be presented. In the periods between these ‘peak years’, there will also be loads to do. “We’d like to become a European Green Capital in 2025”, said artistic lead Sjoerd Bootsma. “And, we are in the race to become a UNESCO City of Literature. The Cultural Capital year was so successful that everything should come through!”
Art and culture will be at the fore, and during the Capital of Culture year they brought more than 10,000 people to the city. Bootsma added: “The year of being Cultural Capital taught Friesland that we aren’t just a province of the Netherlands, we are a strong, creative European region. A region that uses art for social change.”
Section leader Lieuwe Krol said: “with the same energy and ambitions, we head on; along with young culture makers from surprising places, and through outstanding programming.” And although 2019 is a bridging year, the cultural season in Friesland is in full swing, and is gathering strength. The artistic field in the province is being renewed. Collaborations lead through to an enormous number of events in the field of art, film, and the visual arts.
During the ‘peak years’ of 2022, 2025, and 2028, LF2028 will organise a series of ‘blockbusters’. “In recent years it has become extremely important to tackle things in a Frisian way”, said Lieuwe Krol. “We walk with our chests out, because the interest of the city and province is growing hugely. We have gained lots more self-belief.”
