Riga comes out on top for Capital of Culture

Sep 17, 2009
TBT Staff

RIGA - Latvia's capital city Riga beat out Cesis and Liepaja for the nomination of being 2014 European Capital of Culture.

"Riga has great potential for being the European Capital of Culture," said EU education and culture commissioner Jan Figel.

Riga, together with the Northern Swedish town of Umea as joint European Capital of Culture in 2014 announced the European Commission.

"Bearing this title for one year will certainly place this city in the spotlight and create enormous potential for it to develop locally and raise its profile across Europe," added Figel.

The decision will be made formal in May of 2010 by the EU council of ministers.

"But success will not be automatic: to benefit fully, Riga will have to develop its program for 2014 and be given all the political and economic support needed. This is the beginning of a great adventure!" wrote Figel in a statement.

The cities vying for the title have to prepare a cultural program meeting fairly strict criteria relating to the European dimension of the event and the participation of its citizens.The European dimension is illustrated by the subjects chosen and the cooperation between artists and players in the cultural field in various countries, all working together for the event.The program must also have a lasting impact and contribute to the long-term cultural, economic and social development of the city.

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