10 May 2022
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26 February marked the official start of Esch2022 in Esch-sur-Alzette, which, together with ten Luxembourg and eight French municipalities, holds the title of European Capital of Culture 2022 . Kaunas in Lithuania, which is also European Capital of Culture 2022, kicked off its programme at the end of January.
Since 2007, there have been two titleholders every year, one from the established EU and one from the new member states that joined in the 2004 and 2007 enlargements, the idea being to involve newer countries in the concept as quickly as possible. Now, a city from one additional country that is a candidate or potential candidate for accession to the EU can also become European Capital of Culture; Novi Sad in Serbia was chosen for 2022.
Esch-sur-Alzette and Kaunas are both the second-largest cities in their countries. The organisers of both projects have made it a priority to involve the general public and point the way for Europe’s future.
Esch2022 has chosen the theme “Remix”, whereas Kaunas’ slogan is “From Temporary to Contemporary”, with the focus on an examination of its own history in the 20th century. An extensive programme of festivals, exhibitions, concerts and other events deal with the remembrance of what happened between the wars, in WWII and during the Soviet occupation.
Esch2022 and Kaunas have also planned joint projects, in which Novi Sad will also take part; these include creating a jazz-inspired production and a large-scale graffiti artwork.
- Layout: Lex Weyer (L)
- Painting Luxembourg: Foni Tissen, Nemrod, MNHA- Loan from the heirs
- Painting Litauen: Stasys Ušinskas, Das Bad
- Printing: Multicoloured high-resolution offset by Bpost Stamps Factory, Malines (B)
- Dimensions of the block: 120 x 80 mm
- Dimensions of the stamp: 48,75 x 38,15 mm