An Update

We provide insights into the status of our bid.

On Monday morning at 00:47 it was finally time: We put the pens aside, the file "20-07-13_KHH25_BB2_final.docx" was saved - several times, in different locations - and Juan S. Guse closed his laptop. Another step on the way to our second bid book, on the way to our big goal of becoming European Capital of Culture in 2025, was done.

Dozens of people were involved in the creation of the content of the bid book. Whether initiatives that have given us valuable insights into their work; Artists from all over the world who have planned unique and innovative projects; Students who have independently developed central concepts; Companies that will cooperate with us - in extremely uncertain times, during a global pandemic. This is anything but a matter of course.

Therefore, first of all, many thanks to all those who have supported us with their knowledge, actions and support in the past weeks and months! We couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We will of course not reveal exactly what is in the bid book. You still have to be patient: It must be handed in in Berlin by September 21 and by then you will also know how we will see the European Capital of Culture Hannover 2025, which projects we have planned and what we stand for.

But it still feels weird to plan millions of Euros to work on cultural and social utopias, while the corona pandemic destroys the livelihood of many artists and cultural workers, while cultural life remains largely idle. Can there be a "carry on as usual"? Is that appropriate?

The answer is yes! Because winning the title is the ultimate structural program in the long term, not just for the cultural sector, but for the entire Hannoverian economy. Another incentive for us is that we have concentrated all our energy on this application in the past few months.

But there is still a long way to go before the title comes to Hannover at best. Now that the content of the bid book is ready, it's time for the final design, which is again in the lead of Sebastian Peetz. This time it will be different. Contrary to what many expect. In addition, two other events will come into focus: the jury visit on October 19 and our final presentation to the jury on October 26. It will be interesting to see what we have come up with this time. But one thing is already certain: We will need the help of the Hannoverians, especially when visiting the jury. So if you want to help, make a note of this date in your calendar.

But we'll take a breath first. We will treat ourselves to a short breather and then continue with full energy and fresh ideas.

Thank you for your patience, for your trust. Here, now, everyone. For Europe. For Hannover.

Yours
Team European Capital of Culture Hannover 2025