Art and the Modern City: From the Ivory Tower to Society

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. Since the beginning of the Program in 1985 with the selection of Athens, a number of European cities have used the City (later Capital) of Culture year to transform their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally. In 2000 the decision was made to select not one, but nine cities for the year which has resulted since then in the election of two or three cities every year. Introduction As such, this text will argue that the system could be modified into a more diffused cultural plan. This idea stems from the fact that the competition to gain the title of ‘Capital of Culture’ is increasing, due to the expansion of cultural preservation and restoration in Europe, leading to economic development and amelioration of the services sector. It can therefore be conceived that every city is a city of culture (or should be) and even that some cities, who apply for the title, despite the honor and any real need for the increased tourist flux that it brings, should reconsider it in light of the danger it could pose to some fragile environments.