University “Mediterranean” Podgorica, ISCA – Institute for Science, Culture and Art in cooperation with the Nikšić 2030 European Capital of Culture is organizing the International Symposium ARSUM26.

The concept of openness, which enabled Nikšić to win the European Capital of Culture 2030, is envisioned by the organizers as expanding radially from the city toward other European urban centres, mirroring the concentric circles of its urban plan, which historically symbolized a transformative vision of identity, community, and the future. This vision materialized in the creation of a new urban centre designed as Montenegro’s western gateway and a symbol of modernity and openness aligned with European integration, inspired by Renaissance ideals through wide streets, large squares, and a radial structure expressing unity and connection. Today, this concept is being reinterpreted as urban spaces become platforms for creativity and co-creation, while openness also reflects solidarity, knowledge exchange, and collaboration through shared projects and partnerships. Ultimately, an “open city” relies on a community of open minds, fostering learning, creativity, resilience, and collective well-being, and enabling artists, cultural actors, and citizens to continue innovating and collaborating well beyond 2030.

The ARSUM26 International Conference is dedicated to examining new democratic and participatory models for building healthier and more sustainable communities that continuously evolve in harmony with their urban identities and the needs of their citizens. Organized in the form of a symposium, the conference will focus on key themes related to the ECOC 2030 designation, including the democratization of culture, capacity building, and evaluation processes. The program will also feature reflections and experiences from previous European Capitals of Culture.

Koncept otvorenosti, koji je omogućio Nikšiću da ponese titulu Evropska prijestonica kulture 2030, inicijatori vide kao proces koji se radijalno širi iz grada ka drugim evropskim urbanim centrima, prateći koncentrične krugove njegovog urbanističkog plana, koji je istorijski simbolizovao transformativnu viziju identiteta, zajednice i budućnosti. Danas se ovaj koncept reinterpretira kroz shvatanje urbanih prostora kao platformi za kreativnost i zajedničko stvaranje, dok otvorenost podrazumijeva i solidarnost, razmjenu znanja i saradnju kroz zajedničke projekte i partnerstva. Na kraju, „otvoreni grad“ počiva na zajednici otvorenih umova, koja podstiče učenje, kreativnost, otpornost i kolektivno blagostanje, omogućavajući umjetnicima, kulturnim akterima i građanima da nastave da stvaraju, sarađuju i inoviraju i nakon 2030. godine.

Međunarodna konferencija ARSUM26 posvećena je istraživanju novih demokratskih i participativnih modela za izgradnju zdravijih i održivijih zajednica koje se kontinuirano razvijaju u skladu sa svojim urbanim identitetima i potrebama građana. Organizovana u formi simpozijuma, konferencija će se baviti ključnim temama koje se nameću u jednoj zajednici osvajanjem titule Evropske prestonice kulture 2030, uključujući demokratizaciju kulture, jačanje kapaciteta i procese praćenja napretka. Program će takođe obuhvatiti refleksije i iskustva ostalih gradova koji sunosili EPK titulu.