Welcome to the Eurocities Gothenburg Culture Forum 2026!

 

The focus of the Eurocities Gothenburg Culture Forum 2026 is ´Freedom of expression in a new era – How cities can strengthen democratic resilience as agents for art and culture’. In the global wave of rising authoritarianism, voices are silenced and books censored, even in societies previously considered open. When freedom of expression is restricted, disinformation spreads, and public debate becomes polarised, the institutions and norms required for a functioning democracy are undermined.

In Gothenburg we will explore how cities can develop the capacity to protect freedom of expression, promote the equal distribution of expressive opportunities, and safeguard cultural rights in urban planning.