This period is well anchored between two of its emblematic and internationally renowned festivals: the “Like a Jazz Machine” Festival in mid-May and the “Fête de la Musique” in June.

In constant evolution and emboldened by a strong identity, Dudelange draws its energy from its working class past and its sporting spirit and its willingness to always move forward.  Its friendliness and “joie de vivre” come from its generous nature and its multicultural richness. As one would say in French: On dirait le sud, quoi.

In 2022, the coalfield has seized the great opportunity to host the European Capital of Culture. This mission, as stimulating as it is captivating, allows us to develop the full potential of the region and to renew our links, which have existed since the first mining and steel activities, but have since ceased to grow following the decline of the steel industry.

Dudelange’s year-long programme for Esch2022 therefore remains true to its cultural DNA, while being seasoned with a touch of innovation.

The project “Vestiaires – Wagonnage“, in cooperation with the DKollektiv and the œuvre Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, has already started in 2020. The participatory conversion of the “Vestiaire – Wagonnage” hall on the Neischmelz site promotes the integration of the building into the city and gives the residents the opportunity to identify with the new environment. The building becomes a symbol of past architecture and a source of new artistic creativity. Its new programme makes it accessible to the public, who can rediscover and reappropriate the place. Just like the Atelier de Locomotives opposite the site, which will host an island of flavours in an innovative gastronomic concept.

Dudelange, City of Festivals, as proven by the Zeltik, Like a Jazz Machine, Fête de la Musique, Fête des Cultures, Eat, Beat & Culture, Dudelange on Wheels… which have been the rhythm of life in Dudelange for decades. In line with this philosophy, a new festival has been created: the Festival des Vitrines (USINA22), in collaboration with “Den Atelier” and “De Gudde Wëllen”. For the first time, three of the most important festival organisers in Luxembourg are working together to create a major festival. With their combined strengths and skills, the organisers can offer a festival that will combine the practices of a Food For Your Senses, a Rock-a-Field, a Siren’s Call and a Fête de la Musique with the aim of “showcasing” the work of various institutional, associative and commercial actors.

The “jazzXchange” project will enrich the programme of the “Like a Jazz Machine” Festival. This trilateral collaboration with the cities of Novi Sad and Kaunas will see the creation of a work of jazz that brings together musicians from very different cultural, historical, social and political backgrounds from the three partner cities, each of which offers a major jazz festival. Under the direction of project leader Bojan Z., this group will reside and work in the three cities, while including students from local music conservatories who will also join them on stage.

“Back to basics’ or… how drawing from existing sources can prove to be beneficial. The idea for the ‘Acoustic Picnics‘ project was born during walks in the Haard Nature Park, which unites Dudelange with Kayl-Tétange and Rumelange. In stark contrast to the digital age, the “Acoustic Picnics” create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere in which the whole family can enjoy music, theatre and dance performances, or readings, all in an environmentally friendly way – zero waste and no power supply. As the name of the project suggests, the idea is to picnic with the artist(s), bringing your own ‘Picnic’ or enjoying a local organic basket.

The European Capitals of Culture have always been accelerators for Dudelange in the field of culture: the creation of the Documentation Centre on Human Migration in 1995 and the major exhibition on migration entitled “Retour de Babel” in 2007. With “Re-Retour de Babel” and its central theme “What remains of your roots?”, the City is enhancing the work carried out in 1995 and 2007 and continuing in the same spirit by taking a more personal and intimate approach. This seems all the more necessary as the issue of migration becomes more complex as a result of globalisation and European integration and enlargement. Contemplating the past by writing personal stories will make it possible to become aware of the events, people and moments in life that have influenced who we are and what has shaped our path.

In order to bring together all its artistic potential and to develop projects that are meaningful for the municipality, the City of Dudelange has worked together with local and national cultural associations and actors to present a relevant and authentic image of Dudelange through 17 projects.

Dan Biancalana

Mayor of the City of Dudelange