Article by Carlo Ferretti, Head of Research & Innovation at Materahub
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the annual conference of the University Network of the European Capitals of Culture (UNeECC) in Timișoara, where we explored the impact and legacy of the ECoC Programme.
Together with Arthur Le Gall from KEA European Affairs and Silvia Fierăscu, who collaborates with the Center for Projects of the Municipality of Timișoara, we examined how the Timișoara ECoC Programme has influenced the local organizational ecosystem and mapped its network effects on the community.
As Timișoara itself takes center stage as the European Capital of Culture 2023, this event provides a timely platform for reflection. What kind of legacy do these cultural programs leave behind, and how do we measure their true success?
This is a particularly relevant question for an organization like Materahub, which played a central role in the European Capital of Culture experience, particularly during Matera 2019. The question that I posed and continue to reflect on is: What criteria do we use to evaluate the success of these initiatives?
Beyond Economics: A Broader Legacy
Too often, success is measured by immediate metrics such as the increase in tourist flows or the amount of investment generated during the capital year. Of course, these numbers are important, but are they enough to define the success of an initiative that claims to leave a lasting impact?
While statistics such as the number of visitors or the local GDP increase are certainly relevant (even though it is often difficult to establish a clear cause-effect relationship), they tell an incomplete story. Processes like those in Timișoara 2023 or Matera 2019 cannot be judged only by their immediate impact on tourism or the volume of public and private investments attracted.
But what about the social capital that is built?
What about the sense of belonging that these events instill in the local communities?
If we genuinely want to assess the impact of European Capitals of Culture, we need to adopt a more nuanced and complex approach. This requires a focus on key concepts such as:
- Cultural Co-Creation and Inclusive Design: real cultural change requires the slow and steady involvement of local communities. We cannot speak of “legacy” if the people who live in these areas do not see themselves in the processes and outcomes of the initiative. It’s not enough to create impressive exhibitions or large-scale events. True legacy is co-created with the community, ensuring that their voices and cultural identities are part of the transformation.
- Long-Term Relationships: trust, responsibility, and loyalty are intangible assets that cannot be built through short-term events. Cultural legacy is manifested in the deep connections that endure long after the official program has ended. In Matera 2019, we witnessed how these lasting relationships can strengthen local networks, building trust between cultural operators, public institutions, and citizens, and this is where the real change happens.
- Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: the legacy does not end with the conclusion of a Capital of Culture year, but it continues to build through ongoing monitoring that must persist for years afterward. This evaluation should not only focus on economic indicators but also encompass cultural, social, and environmental dimensions. By embracing a holistic view of legacy, we ensure that these events truly leave behind something that contributes to the well-being of the community over the long term.
Rethinking Legacy as a Process of Transformation
In the end, if we want to be serious about the legacy of the European Capital of Culture, I suggest that we embrace it as a profound process of social and cultural transformation – one that endures and evolves with the communities it impacts. This demands a fundamental shift in how we plan, measure, and communicate the success of these initiatives. It is not enough to count visitors or track short-term economic gains; true legacy is about creating lasting value – both tangible and intangible.
The legacy we build should be resilient, rooted in the cultural, social, and emotional fabric of the places and people involved, continuing to enrich them long after the spotlight has moved on. Now is the time to redefine what success truly means, ensuring that the impact of the European Capitals of Culture leaves a lasting mark that future generations can build upon.
For more information on monitoring and data on the legacy of European Capital of Culture also check our ECoC Watch developed within che EU funded project Cultour Data.
