Open Call – Programme Panel for AA32

Aalborg, together with the entire North Jutland region, aims to become a European Capital of Culture in 2032. This requires, among other things, an application to the EU with an original cultural programme that sets a clear and ambitious direction for how we will unfold, challenge, and develop ourselves and our society.

Would you like to help set that direction?

Collaborative effort is nothing new in Aalborg and North Jutland. Becoming a European Capital of Culture is a unique opportunity for Aalborg, together with North Jutland, to create a distinctive narrative, extraordinary experiences, and a long-term investment in our cultural life, our communities, and societal development.

Therefore, we are bringing together a team of 32 people who, through their expertise, curiosity, and diversity, will help frame and further develop AA32 on behalf of Aalborg and North Jutland.

What is the role of the programme panel?

The programme panel will contribute to the qualification and development of the direction and structure of AA32’s cultural programme, including identifying which projects best frame and realise our ambitions. As a panel member, you will be expected to engage with all project proposals submitted to AA32. This work will take place in collaboration with the Department of Culture in Aalborg Municipality and the North Jutland cultural partnership, Kulturkanten.

Initially, the effort will focus on the 20–30 projects that will profile us as a European Capital of Culture in our EU application. This work will take place from May to August 2026.

Criteria for composition

We aspire to a broadly composed panel of diverse individuals. Therefore, we encourage you to apply regardless of who you are – even if you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria below.

The panel as a whole will be composed with an emphasis on:

• Cultural and artistic expertise across various genres, including for example knowledge of institutional management, programming, project management, association work, and fundraising
• Insights from many sectors of society, ensuring both professional and human diversity, including wide variation in expertise, life experience, industry knowledge, and civic engagement
• Broad diversity, insight, and perspective through variation in age, gender, social and cultural background, and more. We need a wide-ranging perspective on Aalborg, North Jutland, and Europe

You should preferably live in or have a close connection to Aalborg or North Jutland. The panel must be politically independent, and all members must be able to attend the meetings on the dates listed below.

Application deadline

The application deadline is 19. of April 2026.

Terms and important dates

To ensure effective collaboration, panel members must be able to participate on the following dates. If you apply, we expect that you are able to attend these meetings:

• 5 May 2026, 4–8 pm, Aalborg (internal meeting – attendance required)
• 10 June 2026, 4–8 pm, Aalborg (internal meeting – attendance required)
• 25 June 2026, 4–8 pm, Aalborg (internal meeting – attendance required)

In addition, we will host two public meetings in mid-May, where project developers will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with you and the team from Aalborg Municipality and Kulturkanten behind AA32.

As a panel member, you may still contribute to AA32 by submitting project proposals, and there will also be opportunities to develop new ideas and projects within the panel’s framework. Naturally, emphasis will be placed on the panel’s ability to prioritise and work objectively and selflessly.

Participation in the programme panel is unpaid. Aalborg Municipality will cover catering and transportation expenses related to the panel meetings.

Contact

You are always welcome to contact the Department of Culture in Aalborg Municipality or Kulturkanten if you have questions or would like sparring.

Submit your application

You submit your application via the self-service link to our application system.

• Create an applicant profile and select the fund “AA32 – Open Call: Programme Panel”
• Fill in your contact details so we can reach you
• Write a motivation for your participation and feel free to attach a short CV
• The application deadline is 19. April 2026.

The programme panel is appointed by the Department of Culture in Aalborg Municipality and the North Jutland cultural partnership, Kulturkanten, which administers the EU application for AA32. We will contact you if we have questions regarding your application.

You will receive a response no later than two weeks after the deadline, at which point the panel will also be made public.