Bourges 2028 European Capital of Culture project downsized amid budget cuts

Yann Galut, mayor of Bourges, has confirmed that the city's European Capital of Culture 2028 project has been scaled back due to budget cuts and political disengagement. In an interview with Le Journal des Arts, Galut defended the project's ambition, insisting it remains intact despite the adjustments. The downsizing follows a reassessment of the initial proposal, which was deemed too costly given the current economic climate. Galut emphasized that the core cultural program and international dimension will be preserved, though some infrastructure and event plans have been reduced. The project, which was awarded the European Capital of Culture title in 2021, aims to revitalize the city through a year-long program of exhibitions, performances, and community initiatives. Bourges 2028 is one of three European Capitals of Culture for that year, alongside České Budějovice in the Czech Republic and a yet-to-be-named city in France.