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2025’s borderless European Capital of Culture

In 2025, Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorizia, Italy, will unite as the first borderless European Capital of Culture.

The official opening ceremony, on February 8th, coincides with Slovenia’s Day of Culture and will feature the From Station to Station procession, symbolically connecting the cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia. Other highlights include the cross-border March for Europe in May and the Tastes without Borders festival in September. In December, the Enlighted Closing Ceremony will illuminate both cities with spectacular light installations.

Other events reflect four vibrant and thought-provoking themes: War and Peace, the Creation of the New, Smugglers and Very Green.

The War and Peace series delves into the region’s complex history, reflecting the impact of war. Notable among these are Mušič – Landscapes of the Body exhibition, the EPIC European Platform for Interpretation of the 20th Century, the premiere of Memory Ambulance & Archive Brigades, and the Art Against Guns musical theater performance.

The Creation of the New series will feature projects including Dodecalogy 1972–1983, a documentary that explores Nova Gorica’s connections with cities across Europe; The Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean; Basaglia – the Fatal Clash; The Shining Invisible City project, which explores Nova Gorica’s potential appearance had Ravnikar’s design not been altered; and Meeting Point, a concert by piano virtuoso Alexander Gadjiev held under the Solkan bridge.

Smugglers will delve into the intersections of history, mobility and identity.  PostMobility will present media art exploring the rethinking of transport and mobility in both physical and digital spaces, while the Complexity Festival will host conversations with notable thinkers including Slavoj Žižek. Museum on the Border will guide visitors along a route connecting significant historical sites in the Goriška region and the Think Tank Train will host several intriguing discussions. Artists out of Residence will present cross-cultural experiences and stories of migration, Borderless Body will explore the limits of the body; and Your Border is My Border will feature performances addressing the migrant crisis and advocating for a united Europe.

Last but not least, the Very Green series addresses environmental consciousness. The Seed Library offers a free exchange of seeds; the Food of the Future Lab will hold workshops and art projects on precision gardening and remote sensing; and The Other Radio will delve into the conceptual and physical spaces of margins. No Time to Waste will focus on ecological event delivery and best practices within the zero-waste philosophy; Bat Symphony will offer an immersive sound experience at Rihemberk Castle; and Green Points will focus on green regeneration. ISOLABS will trace the Soča River from source to outlet and the Atlas of Forgotten Orchards will unveil the Kojsko orchard, the largest gene bank for old fruit varieties in the region.

For more details, visit this website.

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