ECoC Echo – Maximising the Impact of the European Capitals of Culture Beyond the Spotlight Year (Interreg Europe)

About the project

Objectives

To enhance the long-term impact of European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) on regional development after the cultural capital year. The project focuses on solutions that help preserve and strengthen the activities initiated during the ECoC year, promoting growth in the cultural sector, regional development, and international cooperation.

Participating countries will develop strategies to maintain the networks, knowledge, and momentum achieved during their ECoC year. The goal is to find effective ways to integrate the ECoC legacy into local frameworks, supporting regional growth and the development of cultural governance systems. In Oulu, the aim is to support the updating of the cultural strategy within the framework of children’s culture. The focus in Oulu is to promote equality and participation of children and young people in cultural services.

Target Groups

The project seeks to identify new ways to ensure that the positive impacts of the cultural programme and other Oulu2026 activities continue beyond 2026. The main target groups are Oulu2026 partners and stakeholders connected to updating the strategy.

Funding and Collaboration

In addition to the ECoC cities, the project involves local and regional partners who play a key role in shaping and implementing cultural policies. From Oulu, both the City of Oulu and the Oulu Cultural Foundation participate with their own contributions.

The project is implemented between 01 May 2025-31 Jul 2029 and it is funded from the European Union’s Intered Europe funding programme. The total project budget is 2,268,394 €.

More about the project at the Interreg Europe portal: ECOC Echo project