It has been slightly more than a year since Nova Gorica and Gorizia transferred the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) torch. If you were present, you would recall the electrifying atmosphere: the boundary that previously separated two nations transformed into a vibrant platform for art, music, sport, nature, and cross-border interactions. The event was grand in scale and imbued with profound significance. However, a significant question invariably remains once the confetti disperses and the stages are dismantled: What transpires subsequently? Is it just a collection of joyful memories, or is there something more important that lasts?
For the youth residing in this “borderless” region, the prospects appear quite exhilarating. The legacy of GO! 2025 is not merely preserved in photo albums; it is transforming into something innovative, educational, and unexpectedly delightful—to be attributed to the numerous initiatives that fed the stage, with the project CulturalBees being one of them.
The GO! The year 2025 has left behind impressive infrastructure that has facilitated the transformation of this area into a true hub for the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).
Beyond the valorization of existing museums and notable heritage from the historic city of Gorizia to the Modernist wonders of Nova Gorica, hubs such as the Xcenter in Nova Gorica emerged as a premier location for creativity and technology, promoting artist residencies and establishing permanent interactive art installations. In 2024, the X-Center, in preparation for the Culture Capital, hosted the Cultural Bees Slovenian National Ecosystem, gathering 50 students from the local school center to discuss heritage, creative industries, and crafts. Moreover, the creation of the EPICenter, by converting a formerly dismissed railway depot into a multifunctional cultural facility, is a “storytelling house” that functions as a vibrant venue for cultural exchange and community engagement, sustaining the essence of the Capital of Culture year through ongoing exhibitions and events. There is no need to mention that the focus of the culture capital, Europe Square, has been renovated using green and pedestrian approaches, which perfectly align with the Cultural Bees’ emphasis on heritage through sustainability. Nevertheless, a gallery requires artists capable of self-promotion. A creative hub requires individuals who comprehend sustainability, heritage, and the principles of cross-border collaboration. This environment is where the enchantment of education manifests.
At this juncture, the situation becomes particularly intriguing for emerging creatives, as they are presented with unique opportunities to engage in innovative projects that blend sustainability, heritage, and cross-border collaboration. The University of Nova Gorica (UNG) is not merely an observer in this narrative. The Cultural Heritage Studies program, CulturalBees” strategic educational partner, has conducted projects that resemble real-world adventures rather than traditional homework.
Consider Peripheral Visions, for instance. This project focused on examining the peripheries—the neglected areas, the disregarded narratives, and the boundaries themselves—and inquired, “What can we generate in this context?” It fosters initiatives that link heritage with contemporary art, motivating young artists and researchers to investigate themes of identity and location. For a student engaged with Cultural Bees, this initiative serves as an ideal platform to explore concepts regarding how culture and art may affect, while being nourished by, a dynamic, changing community. Next, there is DECORATOR. Indeed, the title resembles that of a home renovation program; however, it is significantly more intriguing. DECORATOR emphasizes circularity and ephemeral research residencies. Envision a young artist or designer afforded the opportunity to reside and work in a novel environment for several weeks, exploring sustainable materials and acquiring skills to produce art that minimizes ecological harm. The emphasis lies in teaching the connection between creativity and sustainability. These projects transcend mere academic exercises. They exemplify how young individuals can establish careers in the cultural sector while remaining true to their values and their region. But how to forget the Landscape Festival run with UNISCAPE or the GreenInCities renaturing efforts emphasized by the BasketJungle construction?
Through the experience of GO! 2025, a young multimedia artist can today gain access to the Xcenter or EPICenter—professional and inviting venues for showcasing work or conducting community events. Here, artists can find support to explore border identities and overlooked heritage in their work, along with guidance on sustainable practices in architecture and design. Thanks to the contribution of the culture capital and the awareness given by projects such as Cultural Bees, new ideas are emerging to shape the future of the region, focusing on heritage and creative industries as primary enablers. Local stakeholders today talk about cross-border campuses, about creative placemaking, about sustainable cultural and edible landscapes, and about innovation and tradition. And yet, the road is exciting but long and uncertain, as stakeholders must navigate challenges such as funding, community engagement, and balancing innovation with tradition.
The legacy of GO! 2025 extends beyond mere architectural structures. A young individual in Nova Gorica or Gorizia can now perceive their cultural heritage as a pathway to the future. Young individuals can envision a path that leads from being art enthusiasts to becoming creators, managers, or entrepreneurs in culture or other fields, while also understanding the impact that culture and heritage can have on their businesses.
By connecting the physical heritage of an important cultural event with the innovative research projects of the University of Nova Gorica and the learning goals of Cultural Bees, we are ensuring that the region’s creative spirit remains strong, helping young people connect with their cultural heritage and participate in the creative economy. We are transforming a former border into a launchpad for the next generation of European cultural leaders.
Credits: Marco Acri University of Nova Gorica
Keywords/Tags: GO! 2025, Cultural Bees, Creative Industries, Creative Place Making, Sustainable Heritage
