The lessons of the “European Cities (Capitals) of Culture” Program (1985- 2008)

The “European Capital Culture” programme was launched by the European Council of Ministers in 1985. To each city nominated the European Capital of Culture for one year period, it is given the opportunity to showcase its cultural life and cultural identity within the European Union and worldwide. During the last twenty three years, thirty seven European cities have been nominated European Capital of Culture. The paper seeks to analyze the different missions and objectives chosen by tehse cities, chiefly within the framework of a sociological and marketing-oriented approach. Particularly: - city identity and cultural planning strategies; - the role played by cultural activities and infrastructures; - the governance of the program; - the promotion of creativity and innovations; - the impact and consequences on both the quality of life and the city image; - the cooperation between cities of culture. By way of conclusion, it will highlight both the positive and critical factors to be considered within a process aimed at developing cieties of culture.