European Capital of Culture

You may know that in 2008, Liverpool will become the European Capital of Culture. But what does this mean exactly?

The European City of Culture project was launched in 1985 as a way of bringing members of the European Union (EU) together. In 1999, it was renamed the European Capital of Culture.

The purpose of the title is to highlight existing cultural excellence in Europe’s cities, and to encourage other cities to aspire to and develop cultural excellence. It’s an opportunity to show that culture is central to the life of a city.

The project has become increasingly popular throughout Europe, and the cultural and socio-economic benefits of the title can be seen by the increase in tourism in the winning cities.

Because of overly fierce competition for the title, it was decided that from 2005, each member nation of the EU would be given the opportunity to ‘host’ the capital in turn. It was also decided that from 2005, 2 cities would share the status each year.

2008 is the UK’s turn – the first time the UK has hosted the capital – and Liverpool shares it’s title with the city of Stavanger in Norway. Liverpool is already well known around the world for its maritime history, architecture, music, literature, art and sport, but the title of European Capital of Culture will place the city firmly on the global map. 

For more information on the European Capital of Culture, and to see past and future winners, visit EUROPA – European Capitals of Culture (ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/other_actions/cap_europ/cap_eu_en.html).