What it takes to be the capital: Liverpool
What does it take to be a European Capital of Culture? While the process actually involves cities submitting applications to the European Union body responsible for its organization, there is a lot of planning that must go into it. The idea for this title and event was thought of by Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri in 1983 as a means of highlighting Europe’s diverse cultural landscape that was seemingly losing focus in an economically centred culture (at the time). This means, that whether staying in one of the Liverpool city centre hotels surrounded by World Heritage Sites or staying near Istanbul’s soaring mosque’s and temples, one can be certain that care was taken to preserve and enhance the cultural offerings of the city through the process.
In seeking out a successful nomination, cities must come up with a rigorous plan for what changes will take place in the city and what activities will be organized to highlight and promote the title. For many this involves building an iconic building or statue to commemorate the event, but also organizing festivals that celebrate the art, music, design and writing skills that make the character of the city unique. Other elements such as history, national costume, language, food, and drink all are elements that can be celebrated about a city’s cultural heritage. There is also the additional benefit that being a Capital of Culture increases revenue and economic vitality for the city, and as such as also proven have great socio-cultural and political impacts. Tourism to the city bolstered, but there is also an increase in community cohesion and identity as a result of participation.
Looking forward, cities such as Marseille, France; Warsaw, Poland; and Riga, Latvia are all places that will participate in the extraordinary event. But staying in a city that was once a Capital of Culture also has its benefits: a Liverpool centre hotel or a Lisbon portside restaurant will certainly maintain the cultural import derived from having once been a capital of culture. Any visit to these cities will surely be the better for the planning and changes that took place as a result of being honoured for one year with the title.
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