• Information on the contest
• The ECC 2016 step by step
• Preparations to the contest
• Preparation of the application
• Criteria and objectives for the cultural programme

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Criteria and objectives for the cultural programme

Cities that prepare cultural programmes within the contest for the title of European Capital of Culture must take into account goals and criteria defined in the contest. It should be remembered that ECC in a European project so candidate cities should include ideas related to European identity and civil society in the cultural programme.

Criteria for the European Capital of Culture event are laid down in regulations for designation of cities for the title (decision 1622/2006/EC) and subdivided into two categories, “the European Dimension” and “City and Citizens”. The programmes presented by candidate cities must meet high artistic and cultural quality standards. Fulfilment of the programme criteria and aims is one of the conditions to be met in order to obtain the prize in honour of Melina Mercouri (See: Stage III - monitoring).

As regards "the European Dimension", the programme aims at:

1. fostering cooperation between cultural operators, artists and cities from the relevant Member States and other Member States in any cultural sector;
2. highlighting the richness of cultural diversity in Europe;
3. bringing the common aspects of European cultures to the fore;

As regards "City and Citizens", the programme aims at:

1. fostering participation of citizens living in the city and its surroundings and raise their interest as well as the interest of citizens from abroad;
2. being sustainable and being an integral part of the long-term cultural and social development of the city.