From sing-along to European Capital of Culture 2032: Aalborg made its mark at Kulturmødet

Three action-packed days at Kulturmødet Mors showed why culture is one of Aalborg’s strengths and why we aspire to become European Capital of Culture in 2032.

Crisp piano notes drift out of the open bus. Inside, three women are seated, with a piano tucked into the corner. Outside, the sun is shining, and the street is buzzing with life. The door to the alternative stage called “The Music of the bus” is open, and the women invite people in.

A guided sing-along is about to start. Some hesitate, a couple climb aboard enthusiastically, while another man turns around with a smile. Moments later, the notes of a Danish children song “Hør den lille stær” fill the bus, followed by a brief conversation about the song and the images, emotions and moods it evokes.

This was just one of the many activities taking place in AA32 Aalborg & Around’s street at this year’s Kulturmødet Mors.

Three action-packed days demonstrated why culture is a strength for Aalborg and why we aspire to become European Capital of Culture in 2032. In very tangible ways, we showcased local cultural talent, collaborations, challenges and opportunities on two stages in our very own cultural side street. A supplement to Kulturmødet’s main street and an important contribution to the development of culture in the northern part of Denmark.

On stage, young musician talents took the audience by storm. Students, teachers and cultural professionals shared the stage and discussed what the cultural landscape of tomorrow should look like in Aalborg and North Denmark. There were quizzes, singing, debates and new connections made across disciplines and communities. Above all, we showcased diversity and the art of having something meaningful to say.

Culture can be many things, and at Kulturmødet there is room for all of it. Just as there should be if Aalborg becomes European Capital of Culture in 2032.

We are incredibly proud of and grateful to everyone who performed on our stages, and to everyone who made it all happen. And we couldn't be more excited about all the ideas, opportunities and collaborations we can continue developing in the months ahead.

We may be a long way from Copenhagen, but we have both the opportunities and the ambitions, as long as we do it together.

Thank you for coming. Thank you for joining us, both on stage and behind the scenes. Thank you to all our partners in Aalborg & Around. And thank you for your support. It makes the whole journey so much more enjoyable.

Now, we have an application to finish. The deadline is the 5th. of October, and we are getting back to work with renewed energy.