Plovdiv and Matera: European Capitals of Culture 2019

Starting 1 January 2019, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and Matera, Italy, hold the title European Capitals of Culture 2019. NEMO is a cooperation partner for Matera 2019 and will be involved in various activities related to heritage during the year. Both cities have presented rich programmes that will celebrate current and past cultural heritage throughout the year.

Plovdiv has organised a programme under the motto “Together” and over 300 projects will bring new opportunities to the region and put the city on the map.

“Open Future” has set the tone for the celebrations in Matera and a certain focus is put on social and cultural inclusion and collaborative innovations.

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: "The programmes for Plovdiv and Matera show how these cities envisage both their own future and that of Europe, whilst celebrating their extraordinary centuries-old heritage. The European Capital of Culture initiative brings people together and highlights the role of culture in building a European identity. Both cities will help ensure a long-term impact of last year’s successful European Year of Cultural Heritage, which has demonstrated how culture can transform our cities and regions for the better. I wish Plovdiv and Matera every success in the coming year.”

Find more information about the 2019 European Capitals of Culture and about the initiative in general here.