Por Redaccion The project of Oviedo’s candidacy as European Capital of Culture in 2031 has presented its artistic direction this morning, tasked with developing a solid cultural proposal that brings together the cultural fabric of Asturias. The process will also contribute to defining the future model of the city with the participation of institutions and citizens.
The capital of Asturias is one of the cities aspiring to be the European Capital of Culture in 2031, the year when Spain and Malta will host the events. In 2026/2027, the Ministry of Culture and Sport will select the Spanish city to hold this distinction and will develop a comprehensive program of activities. Cultural management professionals from various disciplines, both in Asturias and at national and international levels, are already involved in developing the cultural proposal that presents the concept of the Asturian territory’s candidacy. This effort is supported by the Principality of Asturias, the Asturian Federation of Councils, and the major municipalities of Asturias: Gijón, Avilés, Siero, Mieres, and Langreo. The candidacy, led by Rodolfo Sánchez, will be based on the city, the Asturian territory, and a model that promotes access, participation, and enjoyment of culture on equal terms, strengthening social cohesion and supporting the local creative and cultural fabric.
The artistic direction is led by Natalia Álvarez Simó, with coordination by Pepe Mompeán, both with extensive experience in programming and directing prestigious national and international cultural institutions. The formation of the artistic direction team is being carried out in parallel with the coordination of other strategic areas of work, essential to meet the requirements of the call, such as participation, communication, design, or internationalization, which will work on the project’s development during 2025.
In the presentation event, where Álvarez Simó outlined the general lines of the cultural proposal, the Mayor, Alfredo Canteli, expressed gratitude for the presence of various officials and councilors. He emphasized the importance of the artistic director’s role in the success of the project and highlighted the regional support for Oviedo’s candidacy as the European Capital of Culture in 2031.
The candidacy territory of Oviedo and the Principality of Asturias as a whole have a rich cultural heritage, stemming from their history and tradition. The candidacy offers an opportunity to project the Asturian territory through a medium and long-term strategy that articulates its cultural fabric. Additionally, a strategic plan for Oviedo’s cultural policies for the next decade will be developed alongside the candidacy proposal in 2025.
The Capitality designation is also a chance to reflect on the desired cultural city model for the coming years, involving institutions and citizens in its realization. Sustainable actions and projects are proposed to align with Oviedo’s needs and possibilities, designed to grow progressively, consolidate, and endure over time.
The candidacy is envisioned as a future project for Oviedo and the Asturian territory, through the integration of its cultural structure and the creation of synergies between the different urban and rural centers of the Principality. Collaboration with other municipalities, councils, and cultural agents from those areas will also contribute to building a strong, cohesive, and representative proposal.
The project has strong institutional support from the Principality of Asturias, the Asturian Federation of Councils, and major cities like Gijón, Avilés, Siero, Mieres, and Langreo. This collective effort is also an opportunity to connect the Asturian territory with Europe and create strategic alliances with international entities to showcase the cultural richness of Asturias.
Active participation and engagement are key aspects of Oviedo’s candidacy, aiming to involve the local community in the project. A broad process of participation and active listening is being maintained over the coming months to enrich the candidacy project collaboratively and from various perspectives.
The project is already engaging with around 400 cultural and social agents in the Asturian territory through four working groups, listening to both urban and rural contexts. These efforts aim to foster inclusive participation and cohesion among the Asturians in embracing the candidacy and sharing it nationally, European, and internationally.
In the next phase, sector-specific working groups will be organized, including representatives from the performing arts, popular heritage, and visual arts sectors, integrating voices from rural areas from a cross-cutting perspective. Additionally, a public call for project submissions will be opened in this phase. Interested entities can submit their proposals through the candidacy website.
This participatory process will be the cornerstone of Oviedo’s proposal, offering an opportunity to reflect on the city model to be built in the coming years.
FUENTE