Narva can become the European Capital of Culture in 2024. Whole Virumaa region has joined forces to support the candidacy.

The decision to run for the title of European Capital of Culture 2024 was announced on 23rd January 2018. The candidacy and preparation period of six years will offer a unique opportunity to create a comprehensive strategy for Narva and the whole region combining all different spheres of life. Many recent European Capitals of Culture have used this as an opportunity to find new identity after the industrial era, to regenerate local economy through arts and culture.

The process of candidacy creates an opportunity to rethink the development and regeneration of the region not just for the year of the title but for a whole decade.

In order to succeed a brave comprehensive strategy for all spheres of life is needed as well as close cooperation between ministries, municipalities, entrepreneurs, NGOs, organisations and civil activists is needed.

Background

In 1992 Narva has 83 000 inhabitants, by now it is just under 60 000 and falling. 93.85% of people in Narva speak Russian as mother tongue.

In spite of decreasing unemployment throughout Estonia the North East region still has the highest unemployment rate at 12.4%, comparing to the countrywide 5.1%. The economy of Narva and North East has been based on textile industry and mining. The challenge for the region will be transfer to renewable energy.

The title of European Capital of Culture will bring to Narva

The process of candidacy creates an opportunity to rethink the development and regeneration of the region not just for the year of the title but for a whole decade.

• The title of ECoC will encourage potential local and international investors to contribute to Narva and the region
• Introducing the unique Estonian Russian culture of the border city to Europe
• Introducing Russian culture in Europe
• Development of culture infrastructure, boost to culture activities and audiences
• Enriching the local culture with European and international aspects
• Boost to national and international tourism
• Encouraging entrepreneurship
• Growth of employment
• Encouraging local youth
• Greater impact of infrastructure investments
• More visibility and visits to infrastructure projects created so far

Why is Narva a great candidate and Virumaa a strategically important region?

• Compared to other Estonian cities Narva has the greatest potential of a positive transformation. The title is not a reward for great previous work but an initiative for the future.
• The potential of the whole region has not been used.
• Narva has created a genuine interest in international media that can be turned towards positive messages.
• Due to its geopolitical location (Eastern border of EU and NATO) has everything in Narva great strategic impact on the relations between Europe and Russia.