Title: European cultural capital event, the: strategic weapon in the cultural arms race? International Journal of Cultural Policy 6(2): 159-81

Author(s): Greg Richards

Organisation(s):

Categories: Arts, culture and the economy, Cultural tourism

Objectives: To review the history and development of the European City of Culture event, and analyse the extent to which cultural events have been successful in stimulating economic development.

Key Findings: There is much evidence of short-term increases in visitor numbers and spending in 'European Cities of Culture but it is inconclusive for longer-term benefits. Hosting the event is becoming an increasingly difficult balancing act for local policy-makers with the conflicting demands of culture and economy, of locals and tourists, of creation and creativity and short-term impacts with long-term benefits.

Methods: Desk research