Odesa joined the European cultural network Culture Next

The NGO Pixelated Realities acts as a coordinator of Odesa’s participation in Culture Next and has implemented the project ‘Support for the Implementation of the Odesa Cultural Development Strategy’ in partnership with the Department of International Cooperation, Culture and Marketing of the Odesa City Council.

Culture Next is a network founded in 2017 that brings together candidate cities for the title of European Capital of Culture, regardless of whether they have been awarded the title. Its mission is to facilitate the implementation of more European Capital of Culture programmes in European cities and regions, as well as to define a long-term vision for local development through culture and creativity. 

The participation in Culture Next allows Odesa to exchange experience with leading European cities; engage international experts in the development of local culture; receive support for the implementation of cultural initiatives; and strengthen Odesa’s position as an important cultural centre of Ukraine and Europe. With this step, Odesa has officially declared its intention to apply for the status of European Capital of Culture. Over the next 10 years, participation in this initiative will open up new opportunities and prospects for Odesa’s cultural sector.

The candidate cities that are part of the network will have access to expanded resources and programmes, including the search for and involvement of artists, theatre experts and other professionals to participate in cultural events in European capitals.

Already this year, Odesa will be able to participate in two large-scale conferences and a range of workshops aimed at sharing experience and presenting the city on the international stage, and Odesa artists, curators and cultural managers will be able to join specialised workshops. 

This will allow Odesa not only to present its cultural potential, but also to adopt the best European practices in cultural project management.  All of these events are organised by Culture Next, one of the most well-known and respected platforms in the European cultural sector.

“This is an important step towards European integration, as the Culture Next initiative unites the candidate cities for the title of European Capital of Culture, opening up new opportunities for the development of urban culture, international cooperation and exchange of experience”, – commented Iana Boitsova, Chief Operating Officer of Pixelated Realities.

Iana Boytsova said that Culture Next has been an important platform for cooperation for many years, and at international conferences this network is constantly mentioned as a key platform for cultural development, and it is through it that participating cities gain valuable experience and new opportunities.

Participation in the Culture Next network is in line with the stated “Odesa Cultural Development Strategy 2025-2035”. In particular, it corresponds to the strategic directions of the city’s cultural policy, including:

– participation, socialisation and cohesion of the cultural community;

– human capital development, acceleration of cultural initiatives, education, and promotion of culture;

– cultural diplomacy and promotion of cultural exports.