14.03.2018 Wednesday

We know the first details of the ‘Shaping a European Capital of Culture’ training programme! Sign-up deadline is 31st March

Shaping a European Capital of Culture training programme, organised in Wroclaw between May 14-17 by A Soul for Europe together with the Culture Zone Wrocław, the City of Wroclaw and Stiftung Zukunft Berlin, is a unique opportunity to benefit from the experience and knowledge of directors and representatives of the ECoC teams during lectures, panel discussions and workshops.

In the past 31 years the title ‘European Capital of Culture’ has had a positive impact on the cultural, social and economic dynamics of more than 60 cities throughout Europe. Year after year, new cities are candidate for the title. However, a city only receives the title when the bid(book)s meet the prerequisite high standards. A well-considered plan and high-quality programme are vital – it is not just a matter of displaying attractive touristic or artistic assets. Although specific local identities, context-related accents and interpretations are self-evident, the process of preparing, deciding, implementing a multi-layered and high-quality plan can be considered as a comparable challenge for all candidates. Fortunately, a lot of knowledge and expertise regarding the do’s and dont’s and best practices has been built up over the years. For this reason, the leading European cultural managers associated with A Soul of Europe – Hugo De Greef, Ulrich Fuchs, Steve Green and Nele Hertling – have created the ‘Shaping a European Capital of Europe’ (S ECoC) programme, which addresses and invites cities in Europe, urban cultural departments, ECoC teams, socio-cultural and artistic organisations, involved in projects or dreaming of becoming ‘European Capital of Culture’. Academic, cultural and touristic networks and institutions are also welcome.

Shaping a European Capital of Culture
Wrocław, 14-17 May 2018

The opening session on 14 May will take place in the Townhall of Wrocław at 6 pm, with welcome speeches by Rafał Dutkiewicz, mayor of the city of Wrocław, and Volker Hassemer, spokesman for A Soul for Europe. Ulrich Fuchs, general manager ECoC Linz 2009 and ECoC Marseille 2013 will give a keynote speech.

In the morning of 15 May plenary introductions are scheduled, on the history and evolution of ECoC, the cities long term cultural plan, as well as on successful and unsuccessful bids and bid books. The program provides the possibility for questions and discussion after each introduction.

At least five ateliers in the afternoon on Tuesday 15 as well as on Wednesday 16 May will focus on all aspects of the bidding procedure. They will be organised several times, so you can make a choice and participate in at least two sessions of your interest. The conclusions of these ateliers will be presented on Thursday morning 17 May.

In the morning of 16 May a walk in the Nadodrze district of Wrocław will address the theme of revitalization and engagement of citizens and cultural actions. For the evenings of the 15th and the 16th a cultural programme is planned.

On Thursday evening 17 May, a closing panel will present conclusions and recommendations. Nele Hertling, spokeswoman for A Soul for Europe and intendant of ECoC Berlin 1988 will hold the farewell speech.

Profiles of lecturers and information on enrollment for training can be found at www.secoc.eu.

- Read also

Recommended

See more