Netwerkmoment 1: LOV2030
On April 24, the cultural sector of Leuven came together for the first networking moment of CultuurNetwerk Leuven. This moment focused on the candidacy of Leuven & Beyond for European Capital of Culture (LOV2030). The program included the LOV EU Academy: a first look at the plans, an exploration of what Europe has to offer in terms of cultural subsidies, and what experiences have already been gained in Leuven, based on a mapping from last year. There was also space to shape the LOV content and to ask any questions about EU subsidies.
The evening began with a successful connecting speed date. It is one of the first times we are sitting with a cross-sector mix of people from the various former councils, as well as with people from ethnically diverse organizations, organized by CultuurNetwerk Leuven.
LOV2030
The European Capital of Culture (or in Dutch: Culturele Hoofdstad van Europa) is a city within the European Union (and sometimes outside) that is chosen for one year to showcase the cultural life of Europe. In 2030, again a Belgian city will carry this title, alongside a city in Cyprus and a third selected city.
What is LOV?
In LOV you read Lovanium, the Latin name for Leuven. And LOV naturally also refers to love. Because love is essential to fulfill our mission: by creating radically new connections, against polarization and against the climate crisis. Together we strive for a better future for Leuven and the entire region.
What is Leuven & Beyond?
Leuven (or LOV2030) is in the final, together with Molenbeek and Namur. From the beginning, Leuven chose to apply alongside the entire East Brabant region, with half of the program in the city and the other half in the region.
What role does the sector have?
LOV2030 pays attention to the broad cultural sector and incorporates this idea into the overarching story, considering needs and possible barriers. Through the networking moments of CultuurNetwerk Leuven and Open Creatives, the sector has the opportunity to provide input.
Worktables
During the networking moment, we worked with three worktables. From these, the following points of attention emerged:
For bringing the sector together to engage in collaborative projects, CultuurNetwerk Leuven plays an important role. Organizing thematic days and looking beyond municipal borders would contribute to this.
LOV must focus on accessibility for socially vulnerable individuals, non-native speakers, people with disabilities, and people from other cultures, by getting closer to the residents and simplifying the complexity of the LOV story.
The need for connection within the cultural sector is emphasized by independent creators, freelancers, and individual artists to gain opportunities and connections, and by communities and organizations to get to know each other better.
Next steps
LOV2030: Work is in full swing for a coherent and innovative program for the visit of the European jury in Leuven on September 17, where community and communication play a central role. On September 22, we will present the bid book to the jury as part of our application. Finally, on September 24, the winner will be announced.
CultuurNetwerk Leuven: The network continues to work on setting up moments and initiatives that bring the broad field together and address important sector-wide themes. In doing so, consideration is given to the accessible setup and thematic approach that allows space for spontaneous input and developments.
Werktafels
Tijdens het netwerkmoment gingen we aan de slag met drie werktafels. Hieruit kwamen volgende aandachtspunten:
Voor het samenbrengen van de sector in inspelen om samenwerkprojecten speelt CultuurNetwerk Leuven een belangrijke rol. Het organiseren van thematische dagen en kijken over de gemeentegrenzen heen zou hiertoe bijdragen.
LOV moet zich inzetten op de toegankelijkheid voor sociaal kwetsbare personen, anderstaligen, mensen met een beperking en mensen uit andere culturen, door zich dichter bij de inwoners te brengen en de complexiteit van het LOV-verhaal te vereenvoudigen.
De nood aan verbinding binnen de cultuursector wordt benadrukt door zelfstandige makers, freelancers en individuele kunstenaars om kansen en connecties te bekomen, en door gemeenschappen en organisaties om elkaar beter te leren kennen.
Volgende stappen
LOV2030: Er wordt volop gewerkt aan het een samenhangend en innovatief programma voor het bezoek van de Europese jury in Leuven op 17 september, waarbij community en communicatie een centrale rol spelen. Op 22 september presenteren wij het bidbook aan de jury als deel van onze kandidatuur. En ten slotte wordt op 24 september de winnaar bekend gemaakt.
CultuurNetwerk Leuven: Het netwerk werkt verder aan het opzetten van momenten en initiatieven die het brede veld samenbrengt en belangrijke sectorbrede thema's aankaart. Hierbij wordt er rekening gehouden met de toegankelijke opzet en thematische insteek die ruimte laat voor spontane inbreng en ontwikkelingen.
Download the full report here
Culture Network Leuven
