PONT Group became part of the expert group supporting the Slovenian cities of Piran, Koper, Ankaran and Isola in a joint bid for the European Capital of Culture of 2025. PONT will contribute to the bid of the cities on aspects related to long-term vision, participation, outreach and management.

The application in the first round running initially under the name of Piran4Istria 2025 is due to be submitted until 31 December 2019 with a jury panel hearing and decision to be expected until the end of February. If selected as finalist, the cities will have the chance to submit a final, enhanced application during 2020.

The four cities are located on the coastline of Slovenia, known also as the Slovene Riviera, a popular tourist destination with a rich Slovenian and Italian heritage.

“For Istria, our bid is certainly a historic moment, because it for the first time brings together all four coastal municipalities in a common cultural project of European dimensions which focusses on economic growth,” said the mayors of the four cities in a press release in mid-July.

Previously, PONT Group contributed to several applications for the European Capital of Culture title. We worked closely with the municipality of Sfântu-Gheorghe in creating the concept called Identity, we contributed to the application of Cluj-Napoca, especially on subjects regarding youth. In 2018 we worked on the application of Debrecen, Hungary.

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union a period of one year during which it organises a series of cultural events. Preparations represent an opportunity for a city to raise its visibility and profile on an international scale. You can read in detail about the ECoC here.

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