Perugia (Umbria) is hoping to bring home a double win this year with its two applications to become the 2017 European Youth Capital and the 2019 European Capital of Culture. A jewel of medieval architecture, famed for its Università degli Stranieri (University for Foreigners), Perugia is also one of central Italy's most dynamic and innovative cities, successfully combining the old with the modern age, such as in the construction of its unique transportation system of escalators and cable cars that travel through the heart of the castle rock to link the historic centre with the valley below and its famous annual Jazz Festival.
Perugia has already been shortlisted to host both events, overcoming fierce competition from an array of other European candidates. Other competitors for the title of 2017 European Youth Capital are Brussels (Belgium), Cascais (Portugal), Newcastle (UK) and Varna (Bulgaria).
The Bulgarian city of Plovdic, instead, is expected to be Italy's partner for the 2019 European City of Culture. Perugia has bonded with Assisi to create the Perugiassisi Foundation that underlines the close spiritual association with St. Francis of Assisi. The European City of Culture nomination is decided on the strength of the present and future cultural programme proposed by the candidates, the amount of citizen and local business participation and the expected development of tourism and social benefits for the community.
The Foundation recently launched its updated bid book, with the emblematic title of Seeding Change and a new logo inspired by a bunch of winged seeds, underlining its target to sow the city with new growth and ideas.
Perugia-Assisi is competing against five other Italian cities, namely Cagliari, Lecce, Matera, Ravenna and Siena. The international jury will announce its decision before the end of the year.
MARGARET STENHOUSE
Info: www.perugia2019.eu- cittamedia@perugiassisi2019.eu
