Framing the Bid: The Fields of Tension Behind the Scenes of Belgium's 2030 European Capital of Culture Bids

There is a vast amount of academic literature concerning the ECOC initiative. However, existing research focuses predominantly on the legacy and outcomes of designated ECOC cities. The early stages of the process remain underexplored and thus undertheorized. This thesis aims to investigate the bidding process itself, before cities are designated the title of ECOC. Although the bidding stage has been discussed in relation to specific topics, there is a lack of frameworks that map the complexities that arise when bidding for the ECOC title. Although every ECOC process is entirely unique due to the specific DNA of every city, there is a need for a framework that identifies common obstacles. This research explores the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the bidding processes of Namur, Leuven and Molenbeek, the three shortlisted candidates to become Belgium's European Capital of Culture (ECOC) in 2030. Through a qualitative case study approach, conducting thematic analysis based on seven in-depth interviews with people creating these bids, this study has identified eight 'fields of tension'. Through a combination of inductive and deductive research, these are the eight themes that surface as challenges and pressure points for bidding teams. They offer an overview of how bidding teams actually experience the process. The fields of tension include 'local identity and European narrative', 'navigating the European Commission', 'inter-city dynamics', 'phase transition', 'stakeholder management and governance, 'balancing mobilisation and uncertainty', 'artistic integrity' and 'the business of the ECOC network'. The findings show on the one hand that there are certain universal struggles and adversities that shape the bidding process, and on the other hand provides an in-depth analysis of the three Belgian bids by comparing how they each approach these. While some of the findings are expected results, others are rather surprising and invite future academic research. In doing so, this thesis promotes transparency about the bidding process and reflects on the policy surrounding the ECOC, combining both academic and practical relevance.