2027 Capital of Culture candidates

On 2 June, the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2027 competition committee met virtually to meet the two candidates for next year’s title: Geresdlak (Hungary) and Kreevinimaa (Latvia). The meeting was chaired by Oliver Loode, programme director of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture.
The jury members are:
Kamilla Kaiser – researcher in Finno-Ugric studies, member of the Reguly Society (Hungary)
Alexandra Kellner – member of Sukukansojen ystävät ry (Finland)
Nate Kilponen-Fix – member of the Finlandia Foundation’s Youth Leadership Council, Finno-Ugric activist (USA)
Barbi Pilvre – Director of Fenno-Ugria Foundation (Estonia)
Vitaly Romashkin – member of the Erzya Elders’ Council (USA)
The Geresdlak delegation was represented by Geresdlak Mayor Dr. Tibor Habjánecz, Deputy Mayor Csaba Fischer, and Geresdlak Village Council Secretary Viktória Fischerné Faragó. Bogáta Timár, a Hungarian from Tartu, helped introduce Geresdlak to the jury.
Kreevinimaa was represented by Dmitrijs Ščegoļevs, head of the Kreevinimaa / Krievinu Novads NGO.

The two-hour meeting was substantive; the candidates were thoroughly questioned, a discussion took place weighing the strengths and weaknesses of both, and a vote was held. Additional information on both Geresdlak and Kreevinimaa will be published shortly.
The jury’s decision: the name of the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2027 will be announced on June 20 in Hancock (Michigan, USA) during the celebration of the summer solstice, Midsummer Day (Juhannus).

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Oliver Loode
+372 513 2992
capitals@uralic.org