European cultural leaders gather in Leeuwarden to shape the future of ECoC legacy
From 13 to 15 April 2026, Leeuwarden will host the ECoC Echo Knowledge Transfer Seminar, welcoming cultural professionals, policymakers and partners from across Europe. The seminar is part of the Interreg Europe ECoC Echo project, which focuses on strengthening the long-term impact and legacy of European Capitals of Culture.
During the three-day programme, participants will explore how Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018 and its legacy programme Arcadia continue to shape the region through culture, community engagement and sustainable development. The seminar offers a mix of presentations, site visits and discussions, centred around one key question: how can cities build, sustain and grow a meaningful cultural legacy?
Learning from legacy in practice
The programme in Leeuwarden focuses on both starting and sustaining cultural legacy. Participants will gain insight into the development of Arcadia as a continuation of Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018, including its organisational model, strategy and underlying values. Sessions include perspectives from regional and municipal stakeholders on the impact of the European Capital of Culture year on economy, tourism and regional development. Special attention is given to the concept of mienskip — the Frisian word for community — and its role in shaping projects and long-term engagement. The programme also highlights how cultural initiatives continue beyond the title year, with contributions from makers and organisations who build on this legacy in their daily practice.
Exploring the region and its stories
In addition to the seminar sessions, participants will visit several locations in the region and experience how cultural projects are embedded in Fryslân’s landscape and communities. A guided city walk through Leeuwarden offers further insight into the city’s transformation and its ongoing cultural development. The seminar concludes with an exchange of insights and first findings from the ECoC Echo research, contributing to shared knowledge across participating regions.
About ECoC Echo
ECoC Echo is an Interreg Europe project that brings together former, current and future European Capitals of Culture. The project aims to improve policy instruments and practices related to cultural legacy, ensuring that the impact of an ECoC title extends far beyond the event year. By sharing knowledge and experiences, partners work together to strengthen the role of culture in regional development across Europe.
Participants of the ECOC Echo project are Leeuwarden 2018 (Netherlands), Novi Sad 2022 (Serbia), Veszprém-Balaton 2023 (Hungary), Tartu 2024 (Estonia), Chemnitz 2025 (Germany), Oulu 2026 (Finland), Liepāja 2027 (Latvia), Évora 2027 (Portugal), and Bourges 2028 (France).
About Arcadia
Arcadia is the legacy programme of Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018, European Capital of Culture. Every three years, Arcadia presents a 100-day cultural programme across the province of Fryslân, using art and culture to address contemporary societal themes and to connect people, ideas and generations.
