The ARTeria Foundation actively contributed to the international efforts supporting Molenbeek’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Although the title was ultimately awarded to Leuven (Belgium) and Nikšić (Montenegro), participating in this process was a valuable experience and an opportunity to help shape an ambitious vision for the future of culture in Europe.
Working on the bid enabled us to co-develop proposals for artistic and community-based initiatives while building partnerships with cultural professionals, experts, and organisations from across Europe. Above all, it reinforced our belief that the true value of culture does not lie in prestigious titles alone, but in the relationships, commitment, and collaboration that continue long after the selection process has ended.
Following the announcement of the results, the Molenbeek team continued working to implement as many of the planned initiatives as possible through ongoing discussions with representatives of the Brussels-Capital Region. The ARTeria Foundation remained involved in this process, and Anna Ochmann, President of the Foundation, participated in a series of follow-up meetings in Molenbeek dedicated to exploring future collaboration.
The guiding concept behind Molenbeek’s bid was Creative Sadaka—a vision of creativity as a driver of innovation and cultural experimentation, supporting an urban transformation that is both people-centred and environmentally responsible while fostering social cohesion and solidarity at local, regional, and international levels.
One of the most inspiring elements of the programme was Breeding Ground Molenbeek, developed in dialogue with the Crafting Europe Manifesto 2025. Rather than promoting global city branding, the initiative proposed a model rooted in locally embedded, regenerative cultural practices that strengthen communities and counteract gentrification. Graphic designers, radio producers, fashion designers, carpenters, chefs, filmmakers, and many other creative professionals came together to build an ecosystem in which creativity grows from and remains connected to the local community. Together, they transformed collaboration into climate action and creativity into a catalyst for positive change.
The experience gained through our collaboration with the Molenbeek team continues to inspire the ARTeria Foundation’s work in the fields of sustainable cultural development, creativity, and international cooperation.
