The European Union has focused on Potries, a municipality in La Safor. The European Commission has emphasized the introduction of the “European rural constellation” in the proposal that the town submitted to become European Capital of Culture 2031. This initiative aims to connect small towns across the continent.
This is reflected in the report prepared by the independent expert committee that selected the four Spanish finalist cities for the aforementioned capital status: Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Oviedo. Nine municipalities, including Potries, competed in the pre-selection.
The report highlights the “original perspective on the role of peripheral territories in shaping European cultural dialogue” contributed by the Valencian municipality, with just over a thousand inhabitants. It also emphasizes its “potential contribution to broadening the understanding of European cultural cooperation beyond metropolitan centers.”
“"The candidacy presents a valuable perspective on the role of small towns in European cultural life and a coherent vision rooted in the local context, and demonstrates sustained municipal investment in cultural development, as well as significant community participation."
The expert committee values the “high level of citizen participation” in the development of Potries' proposal, both in its preparation and planned implementation. Likewise, it recognizes the “solid culture of volunteering and civic engagement of the candidacy,” with local associations actively contributing to the design and execution of the program's activities. Among the highlighted initiatives is the Mobile Culture Program, a cultural mediation unit that brings activities to residents with difficult access, supported by social services and university students of artistic mediation.
Despite this recognition, the experts considered Potries' proposal “limited in scale and operational capacity” and with an “underdeveloped” European dimension of the program. The report suggests that the candidacy would have benefited from greater articulation of alliances, a higher level of artistic ambition, and greater clarity in governance structures and the necessary financial and human resources.
The expert committee, composed of ten independent international profiles, will meet again next December to announce the European Capital of Culture 2031. The selected city will host a cultural program throughout the year, including activities with local and European artists, as well as international cooperation programs.
