Pforzheim suggests denying the bid for cultural capital status and establishing the Ornamenta structure instead.
The city of Pforzheim has prepared a resolution for the Pforzheim city council regarding a European Capital of Culture 2022 application. However, the organization sponsoring the application remains unidentified in the provided sources, and the city has not disclosed the amount it would spend on the application and implementation.
Mayor Peter Boch has expressed that while the positive effects of the application are undisputed, they cannot be viewed in isolation from the challenges facing Pforzheim. Significant challenges include a lack of childcare places, the need for maintenance of schools and municipal infrastructure, struggling cultural and social institutions, and problems facing sports clubs.
Currently, the reduced budget for the Ornamenta, a new format for a festival for design and innovation, is not feasible, according to Mayor Boch. Previously, considerations for the Ornamenta would amount to two million euros plus one million in personnel costs for the fiscal years 2018 to 2022. However, only 500,000 euros in financial resources will be available for the preparation and implementation of the Ornamenta.
Given these financial constraints, an application for the cultural capital is not financially feasible due to these challenges. A sponsor has offered to cover the costs of the application, but it is not enough to make the application viable. The city of Pforzheim recommends focusing on establishing the Ornamenta as a festival for design and innovation in 2022.
The funds allocated for the Ornamenta must be in line with the budget consolidation process in which the city finds itself. The Ornamenta is planned to take place every five years, offering the opportunity for it to continually develop, grow, and become larger.
On July 24, the city parliament will decide on this matter, with the administration recommending the rejection of the application. A resolution for this recommendation is also up for a vote on July 24. Despite the challenges, the city remains committed to promoting culture and innovation through the Ornamenta.
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