It is imperative that we continue to have faith in the power of culture to transform cities and community spirit and continue to support art, creativity and spaces for dialogue in our community.

The awarding of the title of European Capital of Culture to the city of Timișoara was an exceptional moment, characterised by deep reverberations in its cultural context and, personally, very significant for me as curator of the People territory. This opportunity allowed Timișoara to reveal and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, including the artistic diversity of this community. Through my role as curator, I have had the privilege of navigating this vibrant cultural capital and exploring the artistic language of the local community.

Timisoara 2023 was a moment of enlightenment in terms of the city's cultural and artistic potential. In this timeframe, culture and the arts were placed at the heart of urban life, initiating artistic and educational processes for children, young people and diverse communities in the city's various neighbourhoods. We witnessed a metamorphosis of the city, where it came alive through a variety of cultural events, including contemporary art exhibitions in museums and unexpected spaces, theatre performances on stage in a converted truck on the Begai riverbank, concerts, creative workshops, conferences and more. This prestigious title has created a platform for local and international artists to share their creations and highlight fundamental cultural issues: the right to identity, free expression and solidarity.

Looking further ahead, Timisoara preserves a strong cultural heritage and a vibrant artistic community. The European Capital of Culture has reinforced the conviction that culture plays a significant role in the social and economic development of the city. The courage to experiment in both public and unconventional spaces was a distinctive feature of this year, allowing the community to see the city from different perspectives and to tackle interdisciplinary themes. Artists and performers had the audacity to propose innovative discourses and stimulate critical thinking among residents.

Timisoara offered Europe an outstanding example of how art and culture can take a central place in the urban development process. I have witnessed how the local community has become stronger, more connected, more creative and more receptive to diversity. This city has shown that culture has the capacity to open up to mutual understanding.

Looking back, the People territory I have curated has experienced a profound transformation. Local and international artists collaborated in innovative projects that challenged perceptions and opened up new cultural horizons. The community became more aware of the importance of culture in everyday life and adopted a more open attitude towards diversity and dialogue. The process of dialogue and reflection has played an important role in this cultural transformation, helping to strengthen social cohesion in Timisoara.

In conclusion, Timisoara 2023 was a journey of cultural exploration. Cultural diversity, creativity and community spirit were the core values that defined this special year. It is imperative that we continue to have faith in the power of culture to transform cities and community spirit and continue to support art, creativity and spaces for dialogue in our community.