Statutes

Statutes of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture Programme

Wishing to contribute towards the preservation and progress of Finno-Ugric peoples, languages and cultures;

Recognizing the need for creating new socio-economic development opportunities for Finno-Ugric peoples;

Encouraging efforts to strengthen Finno-Ugric identity and image – both in traditional Finno-Ugric regions, in historical diasporas of Finno-Ugric peoples and worldwide,

URALIC Centre NGO and Friends of Kindred Peoples NGO (Sukukansjojen ystävät ry) have agreed to jointly administer the programme of Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture.

Meaning of the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture
1. The title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture allows its holder to act as a symbolic cultural heart of the international Finno-Ugric movement.
2. Any populated area with a significant share of Finno-Ugric population - both traditional Finno-Ugric territories and historical Finno-Ugric diasporas, irrespectively of the size of its population, may qualify for the title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture.
3. Applicant of the Capital of Culture programme can be a public authority (e.g., municipality or regional administration) or a non-governmental organization. In either case, co-operation between public sector and civil society in developing and implementing the Capital of Culture programme is expected.
4. The title of a Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture is awarded for one calendar year: from January 1 to December 31.

Rights and obligations of Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture

1. The title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture confers the following rights to its holder:
  1. To officially present itself as Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, including in information materials, public space and media.
  2. To use symbols of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture as agreed (see 6. Symbols of Capital of Culture)
  3. Adapt and elaborate the preliminary programme in co-ordination with the Secretariat of Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture (Secretariat). (See 3. Administration of Capital of Culture)

1. The title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture confers the following obligations to its holder:
  1. To form an Organizing Committee
  2. Submit to the Programme Bureau for approval a detailed Capital of Culture programme at prior to commencement of the Capital of Culture year
  3. Implement a cultural programme that includes:
    1. At least 12 official programme events during the year
    2. At least one programme event in every quarter
    3. One flagship event – key event of the year

3. Administration of Capitals of Culture

URALIC Centre and Sukukansojen ystävät form a Secretariat of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme with the following tasks:

a) Administer annual competitions for the title of Capitals of Culture

b) Assemble the selection jury according to criteria listed in the current statutes

c) Advise the Organizing Committee on programme development, marketing and other relevant topics.

d) Raise international awareness of the Capitals of Culture programme

e) Build domestic and international partnerships for the Capitals of Culture programme

f) Seek opportunities to secure additional financing for the Capitals of Culture programme with the view to ensure long-term sustainability of the programme

Selection of Capitals of Culture

4.1. Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture are selected as a result of an international competition. Capitals of Culture are selected transparently, in accordance with the procedures and described in the current statutes. Capitals of Culture selection process is co-ordinated by the Secretariat while the selection is made by Capitals of Culture jury.

4.2. Capitals of Culture jury consists of 5 members selected by the Secretariat

4.3. Members of the Capitals of Culture selection jury represent the geographical and ethnic diversity of the Finno-Ugric world, and are independent in their decisions

4.4. Capitals of Culture applications are to be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Substantive quality of the proposed program of the Capital of Culture year
Engagement of civil society in developing and implementing the programme
Availability of resources and administrative support to implement the programme
Prior experience of Applicant in implementing cultural projects

4.5. Capitals of Culture will be selected according to a procedure and timeline determined by the Secretariat and published on the website of Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture.

5. Ensuring Diversity of Capitals of Culture

5.1. Capitals of Culture programme aims to offer an equal opportunity to participate for all Finno-Ugric peoples and regions while ensuring that the programme reflects the cultural and geographic diversity of the Finno-Ugric world.

5.2. To ensure minimal cultural and geographic diversity of the programme, two locations from the same country (in case of all countries with Finno-Ugric indigenous populations except the Russian Federation) or from the same federal subject of the Russian Federation) cannot be capitals of culture on consecutive years.

6. Symbols of the Capital of Culture

6.1. Every Capital of Culture designs a logo for the Capital of Culture year

6.2. Usage of the logo is advisable in all information nand marketing materials, public space, websites and other media representing the Capital of Culture programme.

Approved on March 15, 2025, by URALIC Centre NGO and Friends of Kindred Peoples NGO (Sukukansojen Ystävät ry).

FINNO-UGRIC CAPITALS OF CULTURE