Larnaca and Limassol are one step away from learning which city will be named European Capital of Culture 2030, as the results will be announced tomorrow, 11 December, by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, which serves as the Managing Authority.

>>Larnaca Wins the Race for European Capital of Culture 2030<<

According to earlier statements to OffsiteNews by the two Artistic Directors—Kelly Diapouli for Larnaca and Eleana Alexandrou for Limassol—the final bid books were submitted by both cities between late October and early November.

On 8 and 9 December, the Expert Panel visited both cities to tour key locations and assess how the proposed cultural programme could be implemented in practice. The evaluation visit lasted eight hours.

Today, 10 December, the final stage of the competition will take place: a 45-minute presentation by each city. A ten-member delegation from each bidding city—consisting of members of the core team, the Mayor, and collaborators—must present their proposed programme within the allotted time.

After the presentations, the panel will hold a 75-minute Q&A session with each team. Through these questions, the committee will assess the teams’ preparedness and evaluate whether they have viable contingency solutions should challenges arise during potential programme implementation.

The winning city to receive the title “European Capital of Culture 2030” will be announced tomorrow, 11 December, at 12:30, at the Deputy Ministry of Culture.

It is reminded that a total of three cities from three different countries will be selected:

• One from Cyprus

• One from Belgium, where three cities are candidates

• One from a third country, either an EU candidate state or a potential candidate

Finally, the winning city from Cyprus will also receive the Melina Mercouri Prize, which provides an additional €1.5 million in funding through the Creative Europe programme.