Culture udvalg (committee) asked for concrete plan for DKK 21 million for Youth Capital 2030

On Wednesday, the culture udvalg (committee) discussed Aarhus’ work to bid for the title European Youth Capital 2030 and asked the administration for follow-up on what the total budget of DKK 21 million for 2027-2031 will specifically be used for.

What this means for you

If Aarhus wins the title, the city will for one year be a European gathering point for young people’s energy, creativity and agency. For young people in Aarhus — from Harlev to Holme and Herredsvang — it is about broad involvement, new communities and co-creating the city’s development. Before moving forward, the byråd (city council) must back the bid, and the 2027 budget must include a letter of intent on the municipal share.

Background

A number of youth organisations have taken the initiative for Aarhus Kultur og Borgerservice to bid for the title European Youth Capital (EYC) in 2030. The city submits the application, and the borgmester (mayor) and kulturrådmand (alderman) must sign it. No Danish city has yet held the title.

At the meeting, the administration gave a brief presentation of the project, involvement of young people from across the municipality, the city’s attractiveness and links to themes across magistrat (municipal executive) departments. Youth organisations reported on initiatives and projects, including Imperfect City, and initiatives in FrirumAarhus and from Sydhavnen on Sydhavnskvarteret were described. The committee asked questions, which youth organisations and the administration answered.

Among participants were Camilla Aneto from the project group, Oscar O’Shea from Okay Management, Karen Krabbe from Frirum Aarhus and Syng.dk, as well as director of culture Lars Davidsen and Lene Øster from the culture administration. The formal applicant is Aarhus Kommune through borgmester Anders Winnerskjold. Initiators mentioned include, among others, UKH, Frontløberne, Studenterhus Aarhus, Filmværkstedet Aarhus and Institut for X.

Figures and facts

• Total budget for 2027-2031: DKK 21 million (Appendix — Cover sheet; also mentioned in the minutes)
• Municipal share expected to be DKK 9 million (Appendix — Cover sheet)
• First application must be submitted in February 2027 (Appendix — Cover sheet; Appendix — EYC One-pager)
• Final decision expected in November 2027 (Appendix — Presentation; Appendix — EYC One-pager)
• 2028-2029 used to clarify challenges and opportunities; in 2030 concrete initiatives are tested; in 2031 the goal is new methods for youth involvement (Appendix — EYC One-pager)

What happens next

The committee requested follow-up from the administration on what the total budget for the period 2027-2031, amounting to DKK 21 million, will specifically be used for.

The project also requires support from the byråd and a letter of intent in the 2027 budget on the municipal share, according to the administration. The application must be submitted in February 2027.

Sources

• Minutes — European Youth Capital 2030
• Appendix — Cover sheet
• Appendix — Presentation
• Appendix — EYC One-pager
• Aarhus Kommune meeting documents — meeting
• Aarhus Kommune