As the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) is a European initiative, the Košice project aims to foster though creative cultural and economic initiatives. The Košice staff motto is: “We support creativity.” Košice, a city already known for its rich history and developed industry, plans to “also become the centre of creativity and a new future for young, creative people who wish to live and work in our city, which is their home.” The city established the non-profit organization, Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013.
In March 2010, the Government of the Slovak Republic approved a sizable investment for Košice – ECOC providing 60 million €. In the same year, the project team worked on organizing engaging cultural events. Such initiatives included the PENTA POLITANA project based upon reviving cooperation between five East Slovakia towns – Košice, Prešov, Levoča, Bardejov and Sabinov, and linking Košice to the international White Night/Nuit Blanche arts festival; over 10,000 visitors attened this event for the first time and to view over 32 artistic installations.
The Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 project team is striving to increase cooperation among all interested subjects in local and regional administration, the private sector and universities to develop creative sectors in Košice and surrounding regions. The Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 project has already started to create an environment in Košice, which supports talented people, their creativity and the development of new and actionable ideas. Košice staff believe: “The city of Košice therefore has a new vision and perspective. Thanks to the Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 project, the city is on its greatest journey to becoming a major city of creativity and prosperity.”
