Open Call - Project Proposals for AA32

If Aalborg secures the title, we will have the opportunity for several years filled with hundreds of activities, culminating in an unforgettable peak across all of North Jutland in 2032. For this to succeed, we need to identify 20–30 project proposals that will become the first building blocks for the realisation of AA32 through our application to the EU.

At this stage, we do not expect ideas that are fully developed or carefully planned with a precise budget. Instead, the ideas should be conceptually strong and open to adjustment and new partnerships – and they should be supported by your willingness and capacity to make them a reality.

Focus Areas

We are looking for projects in all weight classes. Major experiences that bring together thousands of people. Projects that delve deeply to identify new directions for our society and future generations. Transformations that endure, and hundreds of meaningful moments. Stories about who we are and what we can achieve – stories we want to share with all of Europe. Projects that are surprising, ambitious, original, authentic, and that spark new movements and questions.

As you can probably tell, the framework for a strong idea is broad. Your proposal should help unfold and challenge the boundaries of what Aalborg, together with North Jutland, can and should be as a European Capital of Culture in 2032.

That said, we recommend that you reflect on the points below. All proposals are welcome, but consider whether your project proposal:

• Is original and ambitious in its concept and vision on behalf of Aalborg and North Jutland
• Thinks and/or works in a European context – for example through direct European collaboration or by sharing inspiration from Aalborg and North Jutland with Europe
• Highlights our local uniqueness and brings the relevance of our cultural heritage to the forefront
• Actively promotes civic engagement, self-expression, diversity, and communities across generations
• Raises questions and confronts challenges across society through art, culture, and creativity
• Makes visible and develops the conditions and role of art and culture in urban and societal development, including by demonstrating new ways of shaping our society

No single project needs to do everything – but collectively, the projects should raise the bar for what we can and wish to achieve in Aalborg and North Jutland locally and in collaboration with Europe.

Deadline

• 24 May 2026.

Funding

At present, we do not know the financial framework for AA32. Therefore, it is not possible for us to specify a budget ceiling for your work. Instead, we encourage you to think big and broadly, starting from the idea rather than the finances. However, we do encourage you to already consider supplementary funding – for example through co-financing and other foundations.

What happens after I submit my proposal?

Your project proposal will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary panel of 32 people, the Department of Culture in Aalborg Municipality, and the North Jutland cultural collaboration, Kulturkanten. Together, they will prioritise the proposals and contact the projects that are collectively deemed best suited to the application.

The selected projects will be contacted for further collaboration, mentoring, and project development leading up to the EU application – during which process your proposal will also be made public.

If your proposal does not become part of the application itself, there is no need to worry. Previous European Capitals of Culture that are comparable to us have presented between 2,000 and 5,000 activities. Your project may therefore become relevant later on the road to 2032. You will, of course, be informed whether your proposal is included in the application process.

Contact and mentoring

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

It will also be possible to engage in personal dialogue with the programme panel of 32 people. This will take place on two different dates in May, which will be announced soon.

Submit your proposal

Submit your proposal via the self-service link to our application system.

• Create an applicant profile and select the fund “AA32 – Open Call: Project Proposals”.
• Fill in your contact details so we can reach you.
• Prepare a summary of your project and a simple draft budget.
• Deadline: 24 May 2026

5 lines can be just as relevant as a full project description.

You also have the option to elaborate on your proposal by describing your project directly in the application system or by uploading relevant documents (PDF format).