In 2016 one of the Polish cities will bear the title of European Capital of Culture

Funding

Organisation of a celebration of the European Capital of Culture event requires substantial funding, not only in 2016 but also at the preparatory stage.

Studies on the previous European Capitals of Culture show that a majority of costs have been incurred by central, regional and local authorities of a particular country. The European Commission asks in the application file for financial commitment of the city as regards celebration of the event.

The European Commission, on its part, offers the winning city support in the amount of 1.5 million Euro of the prize in honour of Melina Mercouri (until 2013).

This is the only financial support of the EU granted directly together with the title, although it does not mean that projects implemented within the European Capital of Culture programme cannot receive funding from other sources that are available on the European level.

Community programmes

One of the main goals of the Community programmes is supporting cooperation between Member States and third countries. Therefore, programmes implemented within the Community programmes require international partnership. Ideas lying behind the European Capital of Culture Programme form an integral part of promotion of cultural diversity in Europe, mutual familiarity and strengthening of cooperation between cultural operators in Europe, and as a result, fulfil the basic goals of the Community programmes.

The Culture Programme 2007–2013 as the main instrument for funding culture on the Community level

As earlier mentioned, the prize in honour of Melina Mercouri is funded from the Culture Programme 2007–2013 budget. In principle, however, the Programme supports European projects that involve institutions and organisations from several Member States. The Programme grants support to short-term projects up to 50% of the budget (run by at least three co-organisers from three different countries participating in the Programme lasting up to 2 years) and long-term projects (run by at least six co-organisers from six different countries participating in the Programme lasting from 3 to 5 years). In addition, the Programme supports, inter alia, translations of the contemporary European literature and grants operational funds for activity of special European organisations. The goal of the Programme is to support mobility of people involved in cultural activities, transnational trade in works of art and promotion of intercultural dialogue.

For more information see: www.mkidn.gov.pl/pkk

Other Community programmes

It is possible to receive funds for cultural projects from many other Community programmes, which directly concern other fields of activity:

Media 2007–2013
The Programme supports the audiovisual sector by helping, inter alia, to organise film festivals and produce European films.
For more information see: www.mediadesk.com.pl

Youth in action
The Programme focuses on relatively small projects implemented by and for young people with the aim to promote mutual familiarity, cultural diversity, the feeling of solidarity and tolerance, active citizenship, etc.
For more information see: www.mlodziez.org.pl

Lifelong learning
The Programme supports development of education of all age groups, including education connected with culture.
For more information see: www.llp.org.pl

Europe for Citizens
The Programme supports development of active citizenship, mutual respect, familiarity and cultural diversity.
For more information see: www.europadlaobywateli.pl

7^th Framework Programme
Promotion of cooperation regarding research and technology development in all fields.
For more information see: www.kpk.gov.pl

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme
The Programme supports development of entrepreneurship, information society and better use of information and communication technologies.
For more information see: www.cip.gov.pl

Structural funds

The Community Programmes support in the first place international cooperation, whereas structural funds enable investments in cultural infrastructure. Many previous Capitals of Culture used the title to enhance attractiveness of cultural activities offered by the city by creating and modernising cultural institutions.

As far as Poland is concerned, XI Priority of the Operational Programme “Infrastructure and Environment” is addressed to the sector of culture and there are numerous possibilities to receive funding within regional programmes.

OP “Infrastructure and Environment”
Priority XI “Culture and cultural heritage”

Within this priority it is possible to implement projects, which focus on the protection and maintenance of cultural heritage of transregional character, help to improve the condition of cultural and artistic education infrastructure and enhance access to culture. The following activities are taken into account: regeneration, restoration, maintenance, renovation, adaptation for cultural purposes, maintenance of mobile monuments, creation of security system and digitalisation of collections.
For more information see: www.poiis.mkidn.gov.pl

In addition, other possibilities offered by the Operational Programme “Human Capital” (priorities III, IV, VII and IX in particular) and the Rural Development Programme (priorities III and IV in particular) are worth reading.
For more information see: http://www.funduszestrukturalne.gov.pl

Regional programmes – opportunities for the sector of culture

All 16 regional operational programmes concentrate on activities related to maintenance and protection of cultural heritage and development of cultural infrastructure. Each programme offers slightly different possibilities and the interested cities should become familiar with the programme of their voivodeship:

Lower Silesia Voivodeship
In particular:

Priority VI – Use and promotion of the touristic and cultural potential of the Lower Silesia “Tourism and culture”