Meet the two Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue 2025
Tiranë
Tirana - Albania
الإسكندرية
Alexandria - Egypt
TIRANA, ALBANIA
At the heart of the Balkans and a crossroad of civilisations, Tirana stands as a living testament to the coexistence of cultures, religions, and historical influences across the Mediterranean. The city’s commitment to the richness of its heritage while fostering meaningful collaboration with its partner city, Alexandria, makes Tirana the perfect first Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue.
- Tirana’s MediTIRANEan Bridges programme consists of 4 pillars: cultural exploration, enhancing artistic creativity, digitalising cultural heritage and sustainable cultural tourism. All four embrace its rich and diverse heritage and contemporary art expressions, foster intercultural dialogue in the region, and integrate eco-friendly practices into all events.
- Collaborative projects between local and Euro-Mediterranean artists and cultural practitioners will be at the heart of the programme. Virtual exhibitions, online forums, and interactive storytelling will enable broader participation, and partnerships and collaborations will be established with cultural institutions from other Euro-Mediterranean countries. The Municipality of Tirana will also forge collaborations with Alexandria that will involve joint artistic productions, co-curated exhibitions, and shared initiatives.
- There will be an open call for civil society organisations and educational institutions that want to host activities within the programme. Youth-centric workshops, mentorship programmes, and platforms for artistic expression will be integral to the programme’s strategy as well as initiatives that empower young artists to ensure its inclusiveness.
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
Alexandria, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, has a long history of supporting intellectual and cultural creativity. The city strives to deepen intercultural dialogue, promote the values of tolerance and respect, and create opportunities for cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean Basin, making it an ideal Capital of Culture and Dialogue in the region.
- Alexandria’s programme includes art festivals and cultural fairs to highlight the city’s Mediterranean heritage. Additionally, conferences, roundtables and seminars on Mediterranean youth, culture, industry, and digitalisation will aim to enhance regional dialogue, and visits to different parts of the city will be key to showcase its diversity, heritage, and ties to the Mediterranean.
- Many art and culture festivals will host artists, intellectuals, and creators from other Mediterranean countries to exchange experiences and ideas, introduce the public to diverse cultures and artistic expressions, and enhance understanding and cooperation between Mediterranean countries. Alexandria will also work to exchange practices and ideas with Tirana in various fields such as culture, tourism, economy, youth, and technology, and has proposed a partnership programme to ensure the collaboration of the two capitals.
- Independent artistic and cultural associations in Alexandria and its surrounding areas will be actively involved in cultural and art events, and 90% of civil society activities will be open to the public for free. Public cultural and youth organisations will also take part in the programme to strengthen its inclusiveness.
