The city of freedom and dialogue

Gdansk together with the whole Metropolis is a candidate for the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2016. Other Polish cities which apply for the title are: Lódz, Warsaw, Szczecin, Torun, Lublin, Wroclaw, Poznan.

Gdansk is by all means a unique candidate. This is because the city has always been a place of freedom and dialogue, free exchange of thoughts and cultural goods, the home of debate and daring views. Gdanskand Metropolis'motto in aspiring to this prestigious title is "Freedom of culture, culture of freedom".

The European Capital of Culture is not only a competition or a contest of candidates' potential and possibilities. It is first of all a great chance to show the uniqueness of own place in the world. On 13 May 1985 during the session of the European Council Melina Mercuri, the Greek Minister of Culture, introduced the idea of the European Capital of Culture. The project aims at integrating the European nations by means of presenting the multiplicity of the European cultural heritage. The diversity of ideas, art and world views is to result in experience, dialogue and intermingling of cultural influences of different countries. A chance to meet is to stimulate the development of new levels of artistic communication. They may link various traditions and forms of expression and allowfor closer relations among representatives of various cultural backgrounds.

The European Capital of Culture project is an extremely prestigious enterprise and winning the title would be a powerful incentive for the local community. As well as a chance for development and promotion of local cultural heritage, the title opens great possibilities for cooperation and strengthening the position in Europe. It is also an opportunity to present the region, which may contribute to the development of tourism and increase the knowledge about the city in the whole continent.

Gdansk Metropolis consists of the urban areas of Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, with Pruszcz Gdanski, Reda, Rumia and Wejherowo. The Metropolis spreads along the Bay of Gdansk on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and includes the coastal region of Kaszuby. It is inhabited by over a million people and its area exceeds 1500 sq km. Despite a coherent spatial structure, a specific feature of the Metropolis is the diversity of the identity, economy and character of the cities creating its axis. This diversity is additionally enriched by the distinctiveness and culture of Kashubians. All these factors create a multi-dimensional and multi-entity metropolitan system of a huge cultural and economic potential.