Cork - European Capital of Culture 2005

By Colin Serjent

It will be interesting to see what Liverpool, who host the European Capital of Culture for 2008, can learn from the experience of Cork, another port city - it has a glorious harbour - who are holders of the award this year.

In a notable method of inclusion, the organisers of Cork 2005 invited the city residents, together with individuals and art and culture related organisations from within Ireland and Europe, to submit ideas as to what should be included and staged, and received over 2000 suggestions for the programme they would like to see created. Perhaps it would be instructive for Liverpool to adopt this wide ranging approach and diverse input of ideas before preparing and implementing their programme for 2008.

"It is a novel approach to emphasise that, while Cork is European Capital of Culture for a year, it is still part of Ireland and Europe and the events should reflect this, as well as the vibrancy and talent of the people of Cork," said a spokesperson from the Cork Capital of Culture planning body.

The organisers point out that over 70% of the activities planned derive directly from the public request for creative ideas. Will Liverpool adopt a similar democratic approach? Perhaps not, although I would like to be proved wrong.

The Director of Cork 2005, John Kennedy, proclaimed that the programme will be "truly extraordinary", in what will be the smallest city ever to be presented with the award.

One of the main highlights at Cork will be the 'Art Trail 2005'. The Art Trail festival will be presented in a two-pronged approach. The first will reflect the origins of this annual Cork event with 200 artists participating, with the second part introducing the international community as artists in residence for a short duration to create new pieces. The public will be able to view these new works in their progress.

Other highlights include a year-long exhibition by photographer Sebastiao Salgado and the 50th Cork Film Festival.

In essence, Cork 2005 will include over 230 projects in eight distinct categories:

1. Architecture, design and visual arts
2. Festivals
3. Film, media and sound
4. Literature, publications and conferences
5. Music
6. Residence, research and process
7. Sport
8. Theatre and dance

For further information contact: www.cork2005.ie