European Cultural Capitals. The European concept of culture in relation to some recent processes of image-remaking strategies and urban revitalisation.

Abstract

Nowadays, culture has become central to urban regeneration programmes throughout Europe. In line with this context, the European Cultural Capital Event has developed, beyond its mainly cultural origins, to form an important part of urban economic regeneration strategies. After an account of the background of the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) programme, this article analyses the processes of change that have taken place in different candidate cities during last decade. The competition itself is an important process in which the contending cities have to define what culture can do for stimulating economic development, attracting inward investment and improving the image of a city.