Kołobrzeg reached the final of the competition for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2029, together with Bielsko-Biała, Katowice and Lublin.
The competition was entered by 12 cities from all over Poland. Although Lublin ultimately won the ESK title, our city's participation in the competition is an important step that brings many benefits to the city. The preparation process united the local community and encouraged them to be active. Organizing various events involving residents in creating cultural programs showed new development opportunities. Above all, Kołobrzeg received the title of Polish Capital of Culture in 2028, thanks to which it can significantly increase its recognition on the cultural map of Poland, attracting tourists and investments. This is a unique opportunity to show the rich history and tradition of the city, as well as local artists and creators.
Polish Capital of Culture
The Polish Capital of Culture (PSK) is a ministerial initiative aimed at promoting and developing culture in cities that have made it to the finals of the competition for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2029. The first edition of the project will take place in 2026 (Bielsko-Biała), the second in 2027 (Katowice) and the third in 2028 (Kołobrzeg). As part of this project, cities will organize various cultural events, festivals, exhibitions and other activities that will engage residents and attract tourists. The annual program aims not only to highlight local culture and heritage, but also to support creativity and innovation in the artistic sphere. Thanks to this, cities can gain greater recognition and a chance for cultural and social development.
What does this mean for us?
We face new challenges and the creation of programs promoting creativity among residents. These are new events, festivals, exhibitions and concerts that will attract diverse groups of recipients. These are also new opportunities to obtain funds for the construction or modernization of cultural institutions, such as galleries or new cultural centers. A better cultural offer can support the local economy, while developing entrepreneurship. More events will contribute to the growth of demand for tourist, catering and craft services, which in turn means an increase in the number of jobs in the culture and tourism sector. Kołobrzeg, apart from being the largest Polish health resort, can become known as a city of culture, which will contribute to its recognition on the map not only of Poland, but also of Europe.
The Polish Capital of Culture in 2028 is also a great opportunity to balance the season. Such initiatives can attract tourists all year round, not just during the peak summer season. Organizing festivals, concerts, days of regional dishes, thematic cycles, exhibitions or art workshops can encourage different groups of tourists. Such events can take place both in summer and in autumn and winter. Highlighting local traditions, crafts and cuisine can encourage tourists to come during less popular periods.
Also, the exchange of experiences with other cities that have been awarded the title of Polish Capital of Culture can bring valuable inspiration and new ideas for the development of Kołobrzeg. This does not exclude cooperation with partner cities and cultural organizations in Europe.
Coherence of the PSK idea with the Culture Development Program of the City of Kołobrzeg
In the Kołobrzeg Cultural Development Program until 2030+ adopted by the City Council, we can read:As part of the assumptions of the Operational Programme concerning external conditions - due to its geographical location - Kołobrzeg was defined as a city with the potential to become a cultural centre of the region - from Szczecin to the Tri-City. The city stands out on the map of the region due to its direct access to the Baltic Sea (as opposed to larger centres - such as Koszalin or Słupsk), spa traditions and the attractiveness of the tourist base, and consequently, an increased and diversified market of potential recipients of culture".
Analyzing the details of the Operational Programme "Kołobrzeg City of Culture", which has been divided into two programmes: "City Culture" and "City of Culture", one can notice the convergence of the assumptions of the ESK, PSK and PRKMK until 2030+.
"City Culture" is aimed primarily at the residents of Kołobrzeg. Its goal is to build a local community based on culture, including creating a local identity, strengthening the ties of residents with Kołobrzeg, the participation of culture in the social life of the city, supporting cultural tourism based on cultural heritage, improving the attractiveness and usability of public spaces through cultural activities and supporting the creation of new places of culture and spending free time.
Building human capital based on culture is to be done by stimulating the social activity of residents, supporting creativity and artistic activity, including debuts, stimulating the artistic development of young people, supporting professional and amateur creativity, and counteracting social exclusion and including all residents in active public life.
In turn, the Operational Programme "City of Culture" is an undertaking aimed at the residents of Kołobrzeg, residents of the region, tourists, creative environments and potential investors. Its aim is to build the brand "Kołobrzeg - City of Culture", including the promotion of Kołobrzeg through culture, support for strategic cultural products and phenomena around which - from today's perspective - one can build a sense of identity (e.g. marriage to the sea, the Baltic Sea or the history of Western Pomerania).
Support for the development of cultural tourism is to be achieved through the preparation of cultural events with a supra-local character and the potential to attract a supra-local audience, a unique offer combining cultural potential with spiritual development, support for the soul and body, supporting cultural events taking place outside the strict tourist season, creating a year-round weekend cultural offer for tourists and promoting the cultural offer on a national and supra-local scale in places of potential target groups.
The assumptions adopted in the Cultural Development Programme of the City of Kołobrzeg until 2030+ will constitute the basis for specific activities planned for 2028 as part of the Polish Capital of Culture.
A chance to develop
The Polish Capital of Culture in 2028 may become an impulse for the dynamic development of Kołobrzeg, bringing benefits both on a social and economic level. The key to success will be the involvement of residents and cooperation with various institutions and organizations.
The possibility of promotion in 2028 is a chance to build a unique image of the city. It is a great opportunity for the development of culture and social integration, which can bring many benefits in the long term. It is an opportunity to obtain funds for the modernization of existing cultural facilities and the construction of new meeting places that will serve the local community: the Little World Center in the Lighthouse, the Literature Laboratory in the old pumping station or the History Laboratory in the Fuse Tower. It is conducting workshops, courses and artistic training that will encourage residents to actively participate in culture. Encouraging creators to organize events, exhibitions or festivals will strengthen the ties of the local community. However, it is crucial that the process of preparing and implementing projects is well planned and involves residents.
The title of Polish Capital of Culture is not only prestigious, but also brings specific benefits that can affect the development of the city in many aspects. The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage announced support in the amount of PLN 1 million. The funding is aimed at supporting cultural activities of an artistic nature that constitute the implementation of the cultural program planned in the ESK program (in the final application). These funds will be transferred through the National Center for Culture, which together with the city will select the most valuable events.
