Kiruna won the Capital of Culture competition: "Unique opportunity"

Kiruna has been named European Capital of Culture 2029, in tough competition with Uppsala. Kiruna's concept Movement won the hearts of the expert jury. – This could be the spark that brings together entire and separate cultural fields and institutions throughout Norrbotten, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director. 

– We have a population that has been on the move at all times. We are moving a city. We have the Sami population that has been on the move. We have the Lantalaiset who were more settled but still moved to find better land. We have movement underground, mining but also our roots. We have movement on the earth's crust, the ground we stand on. We have movement in space but also in the northern lights, the midnight sun and what is in nature. But it also depicts Norrbotten and the transition we are in now, said Kiruna politician Emilia Töyrä (S) in connection with this year's Norra Scen in Almedalen.

Region Norrbotten has supported Kiruna's application and will now support the implementation. Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director, has been in Stockholm in recent days to assist the delegation from Kiruna in the final meetings with the jury.

“Igniting spark”

– This is an extraordinary, interesting, challenging and unique opportunity. The European Capital of Culture in Kiruna can be the igniting spark that brings together entire and separate cultural fields and institutions throughout Norrbotten, he said in his speech to the jury.

– In light of the green transition, I see this as being the glue and catalyst needed for a creative and cultural boom. It is necessary to shape and reshape a sustainable and socially attractive Norrbotten for future generations, he continued.

Kiruna was represented on Friday by Anna Skogh, Björn Pettersson Thuuri, Maria Svonni, Otto Andersson, Lena Ylipää, Emma Jonsson, Janus Brandin, Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä, Jesper Dahlström-Kawakami, Mats Taaveniku and Markus Forsberg.

In October this year, the Regional Development Committee adopted a letter of intent to support the application. According to the same letter of intent, Norrbotten Region will support the implementation financially. The formal decision on funding will be made next year.

– We are incredibly happy about today's announcement. The Capital of Culture year and the path to it have the potential to create great added value for the whole of Norrbotten. It will be of great importance as we develop an attractive and vibrant community, says Helena Ölund, chair of the regional development committee.

“Grateful for all the support”

In Kiruna, and within the delegation that received the news during the Swedish Arts Council's press conference, the joy and pride were palpable.

– We are so grateful for all the support in the form of budget and cheers that have come our way. Cultural experiences are what build new memories and create the character of the place, but it doesn't happen by itself. With this award, we can start building an organization that leads the cultural movement forward in the municipality. It is an honor that comes with a responsibility and this puts the focus on the power and importance of culture in social development, says growth strategist Emma Jonsson, who together with cultural strategist Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä has driven the work.

Region Norrbotten congratulates Kiruna on its brilliant work with the application. 

This will be the third time Sweden has been European Capital of Culture. Stockholm was in 1998 and Umeå in 2014. Lublin in Poland will also be European Capital of Culture in 2029. 

Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa