From 7 to 9 October 2026, the Finnish city of Oulu hosted the 17th Culture Next conference, organised by the European network that brings together cities involved in the European Capital of Culture initiative. The Burgas 2032 Foundation, as a full member of the “Culture Next” network, took part in this year’s forum.
This year’s event focused on the contribution of culture to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on how these goals can be advanced through cultural policies, initiatives and partnerships. During the discussions, participants explored how the cultural sector can contribute to environmental sustainability, social cohesion and the development of local communities.
Key topics included sustainable operating models for cultural organisations, measuring the impact of cultural initiatives, and the application of new technologies and artificial intelligence in data collection and analysis. Particular attention was paid to European practices for integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into cultural policies and programmes.
The conference provided an opportunity for professional dialogue between cities bidding for the title of European Capital of Culture, cities preparing for their title year, and those that have already held the title. The prospects for international cooperation were also discussed, including partnerships between European cities and organisations from Japan, as well as the role of culture in preserving regional identity and revitalising local communities.
The conference programme was complemented by opportunities to explore the cultural life of Oulu, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Participants had the opportunity to explore local projects, exhibitions and art installations that examined the connections between art, technology, nature and society.
Particular emphasis was placed on the legacy of the European Capital of Culture initiative and the opportunities for evaluating, preserving and building on the achievements made after the end of the title year. The experiences shared by the participating cities offered valuable insights into long-term planning and the preparation of future European Capital of Culture bids.
The 17th Culture Next conference highlighted the importance of culture as a driver of sustainable development in European cities, extending beyond artistic expression and event-based activities. The discussions emphasised the need for coherent cultural strategies that create long-term value for local communities and foster cooperation across sectors and countries.
