Thousands of diverse programmes and countless encounters enriched Veszprém and the Bakony–Balaton region: communities proudly showcased their values and traditions, while lifelong connections, shared experiences and new communities were born. Behind these events pulsed a common will — to demonstrate not only to visitors, but also to locals, that the region offers an extraordinary range of possibilities, from sport and visual arts to musical and gastronomic experiences.

The success of a programme is not defined solely by the year in which it takes place, but also by the legacy it leaves behind. Although the year of holding the title Veszprém–Balaton European Capital of Culture 2023 came to an end with that year, its story continues. From the very beginning, our aim was to achieve lasting change: to firmly place the region on Hungary’s and Europe’s cultural map, and to bring to the surface the creativity embedded in its deeper layers, thereby shaping the region’s identity for the long term.

Thus, 2023 was not merely a festival year, but an opportunity to confront our challenges and use culture as a tool for building the city and region of the future. We sought to restore Veszprém’s regal radiance; help people rediscover that Lake Balaton offers excitement throughout the entire year; encourage young people to envision their future here; and enable local communities to become active participants in the region’s cultural and civic life. Long-abandoned buildings were renovated and brought back to life; we opened windows onto one another and onto the wider world; we discovered the strength inherent in collaboration and, overcoming our doubts, dared to dream boldly. No one can take the experience or this success away from us.

The legacy that has emerged is built not merely of concrete and brick, but of communities woven from human relationships, shared purpose and solidarity. From this legacy, a new and more liveable region and a renewed sense of identity have been born. A region with historical roots and values that cannot be measured solely in figures and statistics, but in the creative impulses generated by the initiatives inspired by the programme.

The Veszprém–Balaton European Capital of Culture 2023 programme year is not a fading memory, but a living legacy we carry with us and in which we all take pride. A new chapter whose every line is being written here and now, in the present day.

Tangible ECoC Legacy: Our Cultural Institutions

Every participating settlement, organisation or community carries the legacy of the European Capital of Culture programme, whether through cooperation, events or even physical spaces. The countless values created under the programme have also been brought together in a digital repository of cultural assets.

 As part of the legacy of the European Capital of Culture year, a range of cultural institutions, programmes and international collaborations were established and continue to operate under the professional guidance of the coordinating body, Veszprém–Balaton 2023 Jsc. These initiatives further strengthen the values inherent in community cooperation, creativity and cultural diversity. Through their activities, the spirit of the ECoC programme remains alive, enriching the region’s cultural offer in the long run.