Nicosia and Paphos have been selected to fight it out to be the Cyprus contender for the European Capital of Culture in 2017, outbidding the third candidate city Limassol.
An expert committee’s decision was announced today by European Commissioner for Education Androulla Vassiliou at the education ministry in Nicosia.
Vassiliou said the two candidate cities now have the chance to work further on their bid, before the final selection stage in September 2012, when the team of experts will finalise its decision.
The city to host the European Capital of Culture is expected to be announced in May 2013 by the Council of Ministers of the EU, Vassiliou said, adding that the team of experts will release a report in January with suggestions to both candidate cities on how to improve their bids.
The report will also explain the reasons for deciding against the Limassol bid.
Speaking on the broader goals of the European Capital of Culture, Vassiliou referred to the promotion and celebration of Europe’s rich cultural heritage and of common understanding and intercultural dialogue.
Education minister Giorgos Demosthenous said his ministry will give the final winner €5 million to cover operational costs, starting from 2013.
He said the winning candidate will have the option to receive additional funding from EU structural funds, especially with regards to urban development and social cohesion-related infrastructure.
Demosthenous said culture “is not a matter for the few, but for the many” and noted that it comprised a “public commodity”, in the same way as health or education, and should therefore be treated with priority.
Demosthenous referred to Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the European Council in six months, and added that the country would be honoured to host the European Capital of Culture in 2017.
On the occasion of these two events, he said, “a new beginning is required”, and added that it is imperative to acquire a different mentality, through synergies and changes in lifestyle.
A Danish city will be designated as European Capital of Culture in 2017, along with the winning candidate city from Cyprus, an occasion characterised by many as a fortunate coincidence, since the two countries are forming together, along with Poland, the current Trio Presidency of the EU.
The idea of designating a Capital of Culture every year started in 1985, upon the initiative of former Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri. The aim was to celebrate the cultural links that bring Europeans together and form a European citizenship. Athens was the first city to become Europe’s Capital of Culture.
Following the announcement of the results yesterday, Paphos Mayor Savvas Vergas expressed his satisfaction that the city is among the two, adding that he is proud for Paphos.
