ECOC and circus - Circostrada Network

This working group aims to discuss the space for circus arts and the long-lasting legacy for the field within the European Capitals of Culture programme.

Introduction

European Capitals of Culture

Each year, cities chosen as European Capitals of Culture – in 2011 Tallinn, and Turku – provide living proof of the richness and diversity of European cultures. Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe.

More than 40 cities have been designated European Capitals of Culture so far, from Stockholm to Genoa, Athens to Glasgow, and Cracow to Porto.

A city is not chosen as a European Capital of Culture solely for what it is, but mainly for what it plans to do for a year that has to be exceptional. Its programme for the year must meet some specific criteria.

Purpose

The European Capitals of Culture initiative was set up to:

> highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures

> celebrate the cultural ties that link Europeans together

> bring people from different European countries into contact with each other’s culture and promote mutual understanding
> foster a feeling of European citizenship.

In addition, studies have shown that the event is a valuable opportunity to:

> regenerate cities
> raise their international profile and enhance their image in the eyes of their own inhabitants

> give new vitality to their cultural life
> raise their international profile, boost tourism and enhance their image in the eyes of their own inhabitants.

Selecting a Capital of Culture

From 2011, two cities – from two different EU countries – are European Capitals of Culture each year.  The procedure for choosing a city starts around six years in advance – though the order of Member States entitled to host the event is fixed before then and is organised in two stages. It involves a panel of independent experts in the cultural field responsible for assessing the proposals. Once designated, the preparations of the European Capitals of Culture are monitored.

ECOC anc circus meetings

Seminars on integrating circus arts in the programmes of the European Capitals for Culture:
> 7-9 February 2013 in Aix-en-Provence, on the occasion of Cirque en Capitales (Marseille-Provence 2013)
> October 2012: second seminar on the European Capitals for Culture, Circo Circolo (‘s-Hertogenbosch, NL)
> 11 April 2012: first seminar on the European Capitals for Culture: "ECOC Programme and Circus Arts: Local Impacts and Benefits?”, HorsLesMurs, Paris (FR), co-organised with Circo Circolo (NL)

Circostrada Network (European platform for information, research and professional exchange within the circus and street arts), coordinated by HorsLesMurs, and Circo Circolo festival organised three European seminars for artistic programming teams of European Capitals of Culture.

The aim of these international seminars was to inform you concerning the current developments in new circus in relation to the question of what this can mean for the programming of the European cultural capitals.

Concretely the objectives of these international gatherings were:

> Give the opportunity to participants to understand more about trend, aesthetic forms and characteristics of new circus
> Expose them to a series of companies, artists and shows
> Discuss the impacts of recognition of circus art to-day and of policies for development and exchanges
> Allow them to participate in thematic discussions on European cooperation projects
> Provide the necessary conditions for a deep reflection on further exchanges between cities
> Invite them to attend a series of international performances
> Foster intercultural dialogue and valorise cultural diversity in the EU
> Create and foster opportunities for ECOC cities to explore new connections, but also expand their skills and knowledge for a renewed and sustainable arts environment
> Compare and contrast each one’s own working tools with those of other professionals

As part of the working process, each institution was asked to provide its policies for circus and a detailed description of the support schemes available for circus and street artists (whether they are entirely dedicated to them or available for the performing arts in general).

Dowoad the programme of the first seminar here

Resources

Useful documents to download:

> Summary of the European Commission conference “Celebrating 25 years of
European Capitals of Culture” (Brussels, 23-24 March 2010)

> European Capitals of Culture: the road to success From 1985 to 2010, European Communities, 2009

> European Cities and Capitals of Culture - Study Prepared for the European Commission (PART I), Palmer/Rae Associates, International Cultural Advisors, Brussels, August 2004

> European Cities and Capitals of Culture - Study Prepared for the European Commission (PART 2), Palmer/Rae Associates, International Cultural Advisors, Brussels, August 2004