March 25, 2010
European Capital of Culture - 25 years on
RUHR.2010 presented Sr. Barroso on the conference the newly published TWINS Programme book. The President of the European Commission had written the foreword to this publication. / Photo: Michael Kneffel
On 23 and 24 March just passed, the European Commission held a conference in Brussels to mark the 25th anniversary of the European Capital of Culture movement. Numerous experts and representatives of former, current and future capitals of culture and candidate cities met in the Palais des Beaux Arts for a programme of discussions, symposia and workshops.
President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and EU Commissioner for Culture Androulla Vassiliou underlined the importance of the European Capital of Culture concept as a European project, not only by their presence but also in their introductory addresses to the assembled delegates.
After 25 years, there was indeed much to discuss. What had worked well, what had been less successful and what needed to be done in the future? Complex subjects such as financing and political pressures were dealt with in an atmosphere of frank openness. Also important in the eyes of all the participants was the question of evaluation: What data need to be collected? Is it only the visitor numbers that count or is there perhaps a means by which the content of the programme and its artistic quality can be appraised? Sustainability was also at the focus of many a debate: How should this be approached and who is responsible for the associated issues? As the European Commission is currently discussing how the project should proceed beyond 2019, the results of this conference carry particular weight.
RUHR.2010 took its opportunity and presented Sr. Barroso on the occasion of the conference the newly published TWINS Programme book. The President of the European Commission had written the foreword to this publication.