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Econcult i les universitats valencianes donen suport a la candidatura de Potries 2031

  • December 22nd, 2025
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Econcult will act as the scientific partner of the Potries2031 project, coordinating a rigorous evaluation of its cultural, social and economic impact. All five Valencian public universities have expressed their institutional support.

Econcult and Valencian universities back Potries’ bid for European Capital of Culture 2031
Econcult will act as the scientific partner of the Potries2031 project, coordinating a rigorous evaluation of its cultural, social and economic impact. All five Valencian public universities have expressed their institutional support.
 

Potries has set all the necessary mechanisms in motion to become the first Valencian municipality to be awarded the title of European Capital of Culture. With just over 1,000 inhabitants, the town is bidding for the 2031 designation, which will be decided in 2026. Potries will be the only Valencian candidate in this call.

The Valencian university system has shown unanimous support for the project. The five public universities —University of Valencia (UV), Jaume I University (UJI), University of Alicante (UA), Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and Miguel Hernández University (UMH)— have signed a joint letter of institutional support following meetings with the Potries City Council.

Econcult as scientific partner

Econcult, the Research Unit in Cultural Economics and Tourism at the University of Valencia, has joined the bid as scientific partner. It will coordinate the evaluation of the impact of the European Capital of Culture in Potries using rigorous and internationally recognised methodologies.

A preliminary analytical report authored by Professor Jordi Sanjuán shows that between 2019 and 2023 Potries allocated 18.7% of its municipal budget to culture, with an annual cultural expenditure of €299 per inhabitant, well above the national average.

The Mayor of Potries, Sergi Vidal, expressed his “great pride and honour in receiving the support of all Valencian public universities”, stressing that “culture is not exclusively urban but a fundamental right of all communities”.