The 2020 European Capital of Culture title went to Rijeka, thanks to its programme “Port of Diversity.” Rijeka is the first Croatian city to win this title which in 2020 will be shared with a city in Ireland (Galway, Limerick and, jointly, Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny).
European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Tibor Navracsics congratulated Rijeka for its successful candidature, adding that, given that it is the first Croatian city to hold the title, the whole country, being the youngest EU Member, will be at the centre of European attention,.
The Project “Rijeka – Port of Diversity” with planned budget of some EUR30 million, envisages, among other things, to turn the former industrial complex “Rikard Bencic” into cultural centre which will host Rijeka City Library, City Museum of Rijeka, Museum of modern and contemporary art and Children cultural and education centre.
Four concepts and four basic programme segments are port, water, labour and diversity, which are deeply embedded in City’s identity and very foundations of the EU: multiculturalism, diversity, tolerance, openness for dialogue and cooperation. Regardless of political will and democratic tradition, these values are not guaranteed at all times, but should be, as set out in Rijeka’s candidature programme, defended through reflection, appreciation and advocacy from the perspective of art and culture – precisely due to constant and real danger of being compromised, especially in times of prolonged economic crisis.
Apart from Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Pula and Osijek, other Croatian candidates were Djakovo, Split, Varazdin, Zadar i Zagreb.
