February 5, 2010
25 years – European Capitals of Culture – Much room for discussion
(from left to right) Bernd Fesel, Heinz-Dieter Klink, Esra Nilgün Mirze, Rainer Traube, Doris Pack / Photo: RUHR.2010/Susanne Skipiol
The entire affair is in fact still young, quite young indeed – just barely 25 years old. But in spite of its youth, the European Capital of Culture offers plenty of reasons for discussion. The title "European Capital of Culture" was awarded for the twenty-fifth time this year. This milestone will be celebrated in Brussels by the European Commission, which initiated the project, on March 23 and 24, 2010. But in advance of that event the Commission’s representation in Berlin turned its attention to this particular topic.
On February 4, 2010, they staged a panel discussion entitled "25 Years of European Capitals of Culture - Ideas for Further Developing a Successful Concept". The discussion was moderated by Rainer Traube, Arts and Culture Editor at the Deutsche Welle radio network. Taking part were top-ranking representatives from a number of institutions. They delved into questions touching upon the history, the future and the actual necessity for awarding the title "European Capital of Culture".
Bernd Fesel, Deputy Director of ecce RUHR.2010 GmbH, opened the event with a review of previous Capitals of Culture and the significance of this title to the towns that have held it. He surveyed the new operatives appearing on the cultural policy scene and reviewed the role of the creative economy, a role that is ever expanding. And that is true not only for the business world but when conceptualising future Capitals of Culture, as well. In the ensuing discussion Bernd Fesel, together with Heinz-Dieter Klink, Executive Director of the Ruhr Regional Association, voiced the position held by the Ruhr Metropolis, which intends to capitalise on this title over the long term. Networks and structures, buffing up the region’s image and putting it on tourists’ maps are just a few of the objectives RUHR.2010 is pursuing for the Ruhr Metropolis. There’s no longer any talk of a perpetual party lasting just one year, inviting internationally renowned artists for brief guest appearances.
Esra Nilgün Mirze has followed events in the European Capital of Culture, Istanbul 2010, since its very inception. She reported on the situation in which the event is embedded. Her comments made it clear that the objectives a city associates with this title vary widely from one country to the next. They will, of course, also depend on the local environment. Nilgün Mirze emphasised that the European Capital of Culture was able for the first time ever to bring together - in a joint cooperative effort – government, the business community and cultural institutions in Istanbul. This marks a major first step along a long road toward a new future.
Tamás Szalay, Cultural Director for Pécs 2010, pointed out yet another facet of the European Capital of Culture. This relatively small town was home not only to some of the masters of the Bauhaus movement or international architectural style. It was also the birthplace of Victor Vasarely, widely known for his contribution to op-art. By no means does Tamás Szalay see the geographical location Pécs occupies – exactly halfway between the Ruhr Metropolis and Istanbul – as a problem. Quite the contrary, this location symbolises the cultural position of this Capital of Culture, where many diverse influences come together.
If one considers the very different concepts and goals of just these three European Capitals of Culture in 2010, then it’s hardly surprising that Doris Pack, who chairs the European Parliament’s Standing Committee on Culture and Education, boldly underscored the significance of this title. Even among the plethora of cultural projects in Europe, this particular initiative should, in her view, by no means be underrated. This is also made clear by the investments associated with the award. But it is nonetheless necessary to further develop the concept. And thus Doris Pack stressed that she would also like to raise – in the European Commission and the Council of Europe – the question of regional applications. Jean-Philippe Gammel, who represents the European Commission, at that juncture explained the rules currently in place. They do indeed specify that the title may only be awarded to a town or city, but that municipalities are free to integrate the surrounding region into their programme.