European Capitals of Culture Policy Group

This project saw our research framework adapted into an international model that can be replicated by future European Capitals of Culture, as well as other cities assessing the impact of major cultural initiatives.

Background to the project

Impacts 08 was awarded a ‘Cultural Policy Networks’ grant by the Education Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission. This grant has allowed the maximising of knowledge exchange opportunities between Liverpool and future European Capitals of Culture (ECoCs). Between September 2009 and July 2010, we've been partnering with the international team at the Culture Liverpool office to work in collaboration with representatives from Stavanger (host of Norway’s ECoC in 2008), Turku 2011, and Marseille 2013. Our main objective has been to exchange lessons in best practice for the research and delivery of the ECoC programme. Our International Research Liaison Officer Matti Allam has been co-ordinating activity, setting up meetings in each of the partner countries, and producing the final report.

Final report

An international framework of good practice in research and delivery of the European Capital of Culture programme, produced as a result of this project, was co-written by members of the group and edited by Matti Allam and Martin Thompson. It provides invaluable guidance on both the delivery and research of European Capital of Culture programmes, or other major cultural events.

More information

Check out our blog for the project.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.