THE CANDIDATES NETWORK is a collaborative project between european cities, initiated by Cluj-Napoca during its candidancy for the title of European Capital of Culture. The network aims to provide suport and opportunities of collaboration for the cities applying for the same title and to further develop practical models to continue the cultural programs for the cities that are not awarded with.
WHY A NETWORK FOR CANDIDATE CITIES?
OUR MOTIVATION
90% of the cities that bid for the title of European Capital of Culture are not awarded the title. However, all these cities develop strong cultural strategies and establish mechanisms for cultural planning and citizen participation. Moreover, these cities manage to raise significant budgets for the implementation of their programme: a multiannual integrated plan contributing to local and European development. All these efforts are usually lost after not gaining the title, as the European Capital of Culture project is a competition in which the winner takes it all.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the network is to have more ECoC programmes implemented.
WHY IS THIS NETWORK NEEDED?
- Because, whether being ECoC labelled or not, all cities need support and inspiration in order to carry on with the implementation of their programmes;
- Because this Network can contribute to the success and legacy of the ECoC project;
- Because more European cultural programmes give more power to address European issues.
BENEFITS FOR MEMBER CITIES
- Free access to the annual Network conference: a 2-day training and partnership European marketplace;
- Free access to the Network’s online platform: a database with projects in ECoC programmes, with contacts for partnerships and a communication tool for the members of the Network;
- Free access to the Network’s capacity building programme for cultural cities: an annual training programme built on the needs of the members and funded through suitable European grants.
MEMBERSHIP
- Available for former and current ECoC candidate cities;
- No membership fees in the first 2 years (2017-2019);
- One single organisation per city is accepted as member. It needs to be officially endorsed by the Municipality.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The suggested governing body of the Network is a 5-people Board elected by members for a period of two years. The Board makes the decisions. Cluj Cultural Centre hosts the Secretariat and an annual conference of the Network. The host city of the Secretariat changes every two years.
