In cities shaped by borders and shared histories, culture often becomes more than an event — it becomes a shared language. Nova Gorica and its Italian neighbor Gorizia carried the title of European Capital of Culture in 2025 under the banner GO! Borderless, a year marked by exhibitions, cross‑border programs, and reflections on identity that drew more than 1.5 million visitors to official and accompanying events.

Yet as the glow of celebration begins to fade, a quieter question has taken shape in Nova Gorica’s council halls: how will the story of GO! 2025 continue — and who will carry it forward? This question becomes especially pressing in light of recent debate over the future of the public institute GO! 2025 itself.

In late January, the mayor of Nova Gorica withdrew a proposal that would have charted the institute’s future work after its flagship year, sparking broader discussion among council members. The planned topic — whether the institute should continue in its current form or be reorganized within the city’s cultural institutions — was removed from the agenda after criticism of the proposed plans.

Many local council representatives signaled support for reorganizing existing cultural institutions rather than maintaining a standalone public institute dedicated solely to GO! 2025. They expressed a shared belief that the momentum built during the cultural capital year should be preserved and expanded, but also that it requires a clearer vision of how institutional structures can support culture in the long term.

At the heart of the debate lies a balance between honoring the achievements of the European Capital of Culture year and ensuring sustainable support for cultural initiatives beyond 2025. Nova Gorica and Gorizia’s experience as joint capitals brought a richness of programming — from performances celebrating shared heritage to events that fostered cross‑border dialogue — and many stakeholders hope that spirit will continue to influence cultural planning.

For local residents and cultural practitioners alike, the question is not whether the legacy of GO! 2025 matters, but how it will be woven into the everyday cultural fabric of the region going forward. This conversation remains open, with further discussions expected as officials and community members consider new institutional forms and partnerships that might carry the cultural capital momentum into years ahead.

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Sources preberi.si Primorske novice Official GO! 2025 website (event/program info) VIPAVSKA DOLINA tourist portal Primorski