European Capital of Culture
Quote:
Originally Posted by
shoney
what actually goes on during this capital of culture year, I have no idea, I know people are spending vast amounts of money trying to beautify the place but I still don't know what really happens, does anyone else have a clue.?
Presentation of the Capitals
The title "European Capital of Culture" was designed to help bring European citizens closer together. This was the idea underlying its launch in June 1985 by the Council of Ministers of the European Union on the initiative of Melina Mercouri. Owing to the many visitors it has attracted, the title has since gone from strength to strength in Europe. This event is different from other cultural events by its size and its visibility. It requires a high standard of artistic quality.
Since 1985, more than 30 cities have been designated European Capitals of Culture, from Stockholm to Genoa, Athens to Glasgow, and Cracow to Porto. Over the years, this event has evolved without losing sight of its primary objective : to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and the features they share, promote greater mutual acquaintance between European citizens, foster a feeling of European citizenship.
Below you will find all the relevant information about the development of the action since 1985, the current process of designating the European capitals of Culture, and the European co-funding of the event. Various experiences from previous European Capital of Culture (ECOC) selections are presented to illustrate the criteria the cities have to meet in order to be selected.
Source: European Commission
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