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* Glasgow 1990
The hope: As the first British city to be named European City of Culture, its aims were simple; it wanted to lose the "mean city" tag.
The reality: The city's theatres, museums and art galleries saw a 40 per cent increase in visitors during the year.
The legacy: When the city made the bid in 1983 it attracted tens of thousands of tourists a year. That figure is now 4 million. However, a report suggests that Glasgow's image changed only superficially.
* Dublin 1991
The hope: Aimed to provide a spring to its economy by moving away from its turbulent past. Sought to move into a new era of tourism, redevelopment and investment.
The reality: Dublin's year didn't get off to a good start with many critics fearing it could become an underfinanced flop.
The legacy: The city is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. In 2003, it was named in a BBC survey as the best capital city to live in Europe.
* Cork 2005
The hope: To provide a tourism boost, raise the profile of a city and bring social, cultural and economic benefits to the area.
The reality: The city saw a 25 per cent rise in tourism in the first three months and the title was the catalyst for bringing in investment, and for the expansion of the city's airport.
The legacy: The rebirth continues, according to Fiona Buckley, of Failte Ireland South West. "It raised the profile of Cork and that effect is still resounding today."
* Weimar 1999
The hope: An unlikely cultural Mecca, Weimar wanted to show its cultural beauty to a wider audience. It also wanted to use the year to perform something of an image change – the city is tagged with the legacy of a Second World War concentration camp.
The reality: The year was used to confront its past and celebrate the reunification of Germany.
The legacy: Aside from a brief boost in tourism the city has all but remained in obscurity.
* Lille 2004
The hope: To give identity to a town that became a transport hub when the Eurostar arrived in the 1990s.
The reality: A year-long programme of events which covered theatre, art and design, music, dance, cinema and literature.
The legacy: Lille has stepped out of the shadow of Paris and is now seen as a legitimate place to visit in its own right. The company that was in charge of the culture year is still going and is now planning "the city of tomorrow".
Source:
The Independent
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