Victoria accepted as a full member of Culture Next
Membership of the network important for candidate cities bidding to be a European Capital of Culture
Gozo’s capital Victoria has been officially welcomed as a full member of Culture Next, the European network of cities connected with the European Capital of Culture programme.
Victoria joins the network at a significant moment in its cultural journey, as it is a candidate city for the European Capital of Culture 2031 and is currently in the process of preparing its second bid book.
The Victoria 2031 Foundation said that after having been shortlisted for the title following the Maltese pre-selection stage in November, Victoria’s membership of Culture Next strengthens its position within a broader European conversation about the long-term value of cultural ambition.
The decision was approved by Culture Next following an open call to observing members and cities that have recently joined the network that see culture as a driver for long-term urban development, civic participation, international cooperation and the legacy of European Capital of Culture processes.
Victoria joined the network as full members alongside four other cities, namely Oviedo in Spain, Burgas in Bulgaria, Zalău in Romania, and Nijmegen in The Netherlands.
As a full member, Victoria will be able to actively participate in the network’s 2025-28 programme, including network conferences, a mobility programme, thematic working groups, missions, capacity-building activities, and advocacy actions.
The Victoria 2031 Foundation said Victoria’s membership of the network reflects its commitment to place culture at the heart of Gozo’s future, and to building the international partnerships that will sustain that vision beyond 2031.
One may follow Victoria’s journey on social media. For further information, e-mail communications@victoria31.eu.