Guimarães 2012 CEC

A European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union, for one year, during which public and cultural events are held to showcase the city or region’s identity and cultural dynamics. The purpose of the initiative is to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and the features they share, to promote the sustainable cultural, social and economic development of the cities and communities hosting the event, and to facilitate greater understanding and proximity between European citizens. More Info.

Fundação Cidade de Guimarães is the entity responsible for designing, carrying out and promoting the Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture project. It was founded on 9th of July 2009 by the Guimarães Municipal Council and the Ministry of Culture. More info.

In 2012, Guimarães will hold the title of European Capital of Culture. As such, throughout the year, the city will be the stage and focus of a wide array of events and activities leveraging the dynamics of  the artistic and cultural (and therefore social and economic) development of the city, its institutions and citizens. More info.

Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture will start officially on the 21th of January 2012. Although, the initiatives and projects under the Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture programme extend well before and after the event. Preparations began once the application was approved, with a number of initiatives and projects already underway, such as designing the cultural program, creating a partner and volunteer network and local community activities. After 2012, the entities, structures and resources created or renewed as part of the event are expected to continue to play a proactive role in the artistic and cultural development and promotion of the city and its citizens.

The European Capital of Culture project is financed through founding and partner institutions (Guimarães Municipal Council, Ministry of Culture and Turismo de Portugal, I.P.), European Structural Funds and its own funds raised by the Patronage and Sponsorship Programme.

The Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture‘s total budget is estimated at €111,050,000, of which €70,050,000 will be allocated to infrastructure investments, €25,000,000 to cultural programmes and €8,000,000 to promotion and publicity.

Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture is a project by the community and for the community. Individuals and organizations can take part in the event as Volunteers and Friends of Fundação Cidade de Guimarães, or by sending their ideas and feedback to comunicacao@guimaraes2012.pt.

If you have any other question, please send a message using the Contact Form.