Charalambos Andronos/Timişoara 2023/Janos Illesi
Annually since 1985, the cultural poobahs of the European Union have designated one or more of the continent's cities (and as of last year it's been three), as Capitals of Culture, focusing on their own cultural offerings and allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international profiles and images. Since the first one, Athens, (then Greek miister of culture Melina Mercouri was a driving force behind the program) most of the better known cities have already had their years in the sun, and recent ECoCs have been lesser known. That's certainly true of this year's trio, launching their year in the sun in the coming week or so. Here's a quick look:
Replies