Capitalising on Culture: The impact of the European Capitals of Culture on the local independent cultural sector
Introduction: Katherine Watson
Between 2007 and 2019, there could be as many as 180 cities bidding for the title of European Capital of Culture, according to a recently launched website for the Association of Candidate Cities to the European Capital of Culture. As more and more cities vie for the title, LabforCulture has been investigating the existing research on the subject, in partnership with Trans Europe Halles, a network of independent culture centres with 49 members in 25 countries.
Our specific focus was on finding research that considered the impact that European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) have had on local independent cultural activity and on cultural cooperation between local communities across Europe.
Many of the Trans Europe Halles members have either participated in a European Capital of Culture programme, or else they have been or are currently involved in a bid from their own city or region. Just as every member of the Trans Europe Halles network has its own unique and distinguishing character, the cultural capital experience in every city is different too. Nevertheless it was apparent that there was much knowledge and experience that could be shared, especially as more and more local cultural organisations are involved.
Lidia Varbanova, Editor of the Resources for Research section of LabforCulture, undertook a mapping of the existing research. Although one of the requirements for a city to become a European Capital of Culture is “involving local people and integrating local culture”, she has reflected that this aspect of the cities’ experience is the least considered and evaluated in the overall body of research. More recent research indicates a decided shift and an increased focus on the ongoing local legacy of the programme, as seen in the research from Lille 2004, Luxembourg 2007 and the ongoing research from Liverpool 2008 and Stavanger 2008.
Mapping of the existing research
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Trans Europe Halles interviewed 16 of the network’s 18 members from cities that have been or plan to be European Capitals of Culture. The results from these interviews and the LabforCulture mapping were brought together at a panel discussion on 20 September 2008 at Tou Scene in Stavanger, Norway – an appropriate backdrop for the discussion, given Stavanger’s status as European Capital of Culture in 2008. |
The results from these interviews
Participants at the Trans Europe Halles meeting in Stavanger also heard from Mary Miller, Director of Stavanger 2008, and from Hilmar Rommetvedt, Head of Research at the International Research Institute in Stavanger (IRIS). They are undertaking comprehensive research on the impact of Stavanger 2008 in partnership with the University of Stavanger.
Trans Europe Halles and LabforCulture posed the questions:
The discussion is certainly one that will continue and intensify. Success at a local level is dependent upon the meaningful involvement of local organisations at the outset of the bid process and throughout the planning and implementation of the ECOC programme. Spaces for sharing experiences and information are key.
Image credits:
Sibiu, 2007 European Capital of Cultural www.sibiu2007.ro
Tou Scene Center for Contemporary Arts www.touscene.com
LabforCulture is a partner initiative of the European Cultural Foundation. LabforCulture is grateful for the support provided by its funders.
