Perhaps the nicest thing about the whole of BRUGGE 2002 was that it quickly became clear that the project was supported by many: many cultural partners, many supporting partners, many authorities, many sponsors, many spectators, etc. And on top of all this we must not forget that there was a City Council that wanted a Cultural Capital, and got one. A mayor and aldermen who believed that such a project was not only possible, but was also necessary and that it would benefit Bruges.

This brings us to the unavoidable question of what the long-term effect of BRUGGE 2002 will be. The one question that is always asked - and rightly so, although obviously you can only give an answer over several years. That too has gradually become an empty, standalone quote.

Or you have to consciously do something to give the long term real chances. This is what we tried to do in Bruges. Programmes that begun in 2002 are being repeated, will come back regularly or have acquired a permanent place in the city's cultural arena. Naturally there are the restorations and new building projects that will continue to round out the city. And there is the cultural events policy that Bruges wants to continue.

This is why the organisation BRUGGE 2002 vzw will continue to operate under the name "Brugge Plus" to implement this policy. But the main thing which will remain is perhaps the enthusiasm of the residents of Bruges to be able to participate in contemporary cultural expressions, and the renewed interest of the many visitors in rediscovering the city. How long all this will last depends on the policy, cultural partners and public together. In the meantime, we are looking ahead. Unquestionably!

But now we wish to express the great pleasure we enjoyed working for BRUGGE 2002.

Hugo De Greef

Intendant of BRUGGE 2002

Source: Brugge 2002 - Concise