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About the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) initiative
Launched in 1985, ECOC is an important European initiative that designates one or more cities as European Capital of Culture every year.
ECOC was created with the aim of showcasing, protecting and promoting the diversity and richness of European cultures. It draws attention to their common characteristics and reinforces the sense of belonging to a “common cultural area” that is rooted in a wealth of cultural expressions.
INS
PIRA
TION
About the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) initiative
Launched in 1985, ECOC is an important European initiative that designates one or more cities as European Capital of Culture every year.
ECOC was created with the aim of showcasing, protecting and promoting the diversity and richness of European cultures. It draws attention to their common characteristics and reinforces the sense of belonging to a “common cultural area” that is rooted in a wealth of cultural expressions.
The initiative aims to:
- Enhance the scope, diversity and European dimension of cultural activities in cities, particularly through transnational cooperation.
- Broaden access to and participation in culture.
- Strengthen the capacity of the cultural sector and its links with other sectors.
- Raise the international profile of cities through culture.
The goal is therefore to nurture Europe's rich cultural heritage by:
- Promoting and disseminating cultural diversity, drawing on our vast and rich cultural and natural heritage, as an expression of coexistence, understanding and dialogue.
- Strengthening the sense of European identity and belonging by emphasising the common values that unite our countries and citizens.
- Driving sustainable social and economic development and promoting responsible, sustainable and high-quality tourism, as well as boosting local economies and urban development inspired by urban agendas and the UN’s 2030 Agenda, which urges us to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” (SDG 11).
- Investing in the revitalisation of cultural infrastructure and the organisation of large-scale events.
- Promoting cultural exchanges and stimulating dialogue and communication among artists, cultural organisations and the citizens of Europe.
- Encouraging the exchange of ideas, as well as cultural expressions, manifestations and experiences.
- Boosting cultural impact, access to culture, and citizen participation, with a view to making culture more accessible, relevant and inclusive.