 | Liverpool (UK) & Stavanger (NO) launch European Capital of Culture 2008 years 14-01-2008 Last week, the cities of Liverpool and Stavenger proudly launched their
European Capital of Culture 2008 years. The ECOC initiative was launched in 1985
following a proposal put forward by the Greek Minister of Culture Melina
Mercouris. Its goal was ‘to open up to the European public particular aspects of
the culture of a city, region or country concerned, and to concentrate on the
designated city a number of cultural contributions from other Member States’
(Resolution 85/C153/O2). Founded as an educational festival promoting arts and
culture, its role was soon expanded by other objectives. Because of a policy
shift in Europe from reconstruction to city marketing in cultural policy, the
ECOC event developed and diffused quickly among the EU Member States.
Liverpool launched the European Capital of Culture 2008 year on January 10.
Stavenger started the festive year two days later on January 12. This year, both
cities will showcase a wide range of cultural festivals and events and therefore
expect to be able to attract great additional numbers of visitors. Since 2003,
when the cities were assigned the European Capital of Culture title for 2008,
Liverpool and Stavenger have been working hard to make their cities as
attractive as possible for external visitors. However, also the local
communities of the two towns are said to play an important role in the cultural
year. The cities hope to achieve sustainable results that will last beyond the
actual European Capital of Culture year.
For Liverpool, these results will be measured by the Impacts 08 research
programme which is run by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores
University. which evaluates the social, cultural, economic and environmental
effects of Liverpool’s hosting the European Capital of Culture title in 2008.
The research programme, commissioned by Liverpool City Council, examines the
progress and impact of the ECOC experience on the city and its people. The aim
of Impacts 08 is to develop a research model for evaluating the multiple impacts
of culture-led regeneration programmes that can be applied to events across the
UK and beyond.
LinksClick here to visit the Liverpool 2008 websiteClick here to visit the Stavanger 2008 websiteClick here to visit the Impacts 08 websiteClick here for more information about the ECOC initiative back |
