Patra picks Limassol as Culture Capital twin

LIMASSOL will join the Greek city of Patra in its celebrations as host of European Capital of Culture 2006.

Earlier this month European Union culture ministers chose the Greek carnival city to host dozens of cultural events and projects as European Capital of Culture for 2006. As chosen cultural city, Patra is obligated to propose one other city for the celebrations.

During last Thursday’s municipal council meeting, Limassol Mayor Demetris Kontides announced Patra’s decision to propose Limassol. The two cities already enjoy good relations as ‘twinned’ cities in Europe, and will now work together to host a series of cultural events aimed at highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures.

The council appointed a special committee to deal with preparations for the event in 2006. The committee will have its first meeting on Tuesday and consists of Mayor Kontides, deputy mayor Yiannos Daniilides and three municipal councillors.

Each year, EU member states select a programme of Cities of Culture which get an EU subsidy to help them run a large number of arts events, including live performances, architectural shows, street art and other forms of artistic expression. From 2005, the EU will run a series of European Capitals of Culture, with different member states allocated years up to 2019.

This year’s host is Graz in Austria, followed by Lille in France and Genoa in Italy next year. The Irish city of Cork will host the event in 2005.

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