URBACT CULTURE
The URBACT Culture network objectives can be summarised
as follows:
>To illustrate the importance of culture in regeneration
policies and projects by compiling case studies and by sharing
the knowledge and experiences of the partner cities
>To study, describe and diffuse transferable models and
approaches >To draw recommendations to be diffused
Following the kick off meeting in January 2004 a series
of 8 working group meetings were held two for each of the
4 sub themes to try to achieve these objectives:
1. Social Cohesion
>culture as a tool for participation
>Culture and civic society – use of cultural events to create
a feeling of cohesion
>Public space and sense of re-appropriation
>Culture and the fight against social inequality
>Multi-culturalism and inter-culturalism
2. Economic Development
>Culture, art and heritage as a tool for regeneration
>City strategies for creative industries
>ICT, communication media as a cultural tool
>Festivals an cultural events
3. Physical Regeneration
>City centre and neighbourhood development
>Cultural Infrastructure
>Public Space for creativity
>Planning of metropolitan and local cultural facilities
>The inclusion of cultural professionals in urban regeneration
4. Integrated Approach
>Cultural activities as a strategic resource
>How social, economic, and physical activities come
together for urban regeneration
>Power and potential of culture
>Context and circumstances for use of culture in urban
regeneration
Four thematic experts were appointed to head each of the sub
themes, animate and guide the work of the partner cities.
Each seminar was held in a different city so partners had the
chance to see practical projects on the ground and have direct
contact with project leaders.
The conclusion seminar was held in May 2006 and the final
conference for the project was held in Roubaix in September
2006 where the main findings and conclusions were presented.