Brabantstad baseline study

het PON, kennis in uitvoering Tilburg, september 2011

BrabantStad’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2018

Baseline study: the main conclusions

Mrs drs. M. van Bommel (PON)

Mrs drs. K. du Long (PON)

Mrs ir. J. Luijten (PON)

Prof. G.W. Richards (Tilburg University)

Colophon

The PON and Tilburg University were commissioned to conduct this study by Programmabureau 2018Brabant

Authors Marianne van Bommel, Karin du Long, Jolanda Luijten and Greg Richards

Date september 2011

© 2011 The PON, kennis in uitvoering/Tilburg University The copyright for this publication belongs to the PON/Tilburg University. Entire or partial copying of the text is permitted as long as the source is cited. Multiplication and publication in any other form than this report is only permitted after written permission from the PON/Tilburg University. Although this publication has been compiled with the utmost care, the PON/Tilburg University cannot accept liability for any possible errors.

For further information: www.hetpon.nl

Table of Contents

Introduction 5

1 Analysis of the results 7

2 Main conclusions 11 2.1 Citizens and their opinion of the European Capital of Culture 11 2.2 Image of Brabant among non-Brabanders (literature study) 12 2.3 Brabanders, cultural behaviour and the candidacy 12 2.4 Creative entrepreneurs in Brabant on the European Capital of Culture 13 2.5 Network development 14

3 Graphs 15

4 Background information 23 4.1 BrabantStad’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 23 4.2 Research programme and the baseline measurement 23

Introduction 5

Introduction

This report is a summary of the principal conclusions from a baseline study of the

effects of BrabantStad’s candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture 2018.

This study is unique because no previous research has been initiated at such an

early stage in the development of a European Capital of Culture.

The baseline study served two objectives:

Gauging the opinions of Brabanders [the inhabitants of the Province of

Brabant], residents in other partsof the Netherlands and entrepreneurs in

Brabant concerning BrabantStad and its candidacy for the European Capital of

Culture 2018.

Analysing (existing or new) networks initiated or inspired by BrabantStad’s

candidacy.

In order to achieve these objectives, the PON and Tilburg University studied the

citizens of Brabant, creative entrepreneurs in Brabant, institutions in Brabant and the

wider Dutch population. To this end, the researchers utilised, among other things,

the Brabantpanel [Brabant Panel] and the stadspanels [city panels] of the B5 cities.

Quantitative and qualitative research on cultural networks in BrabantStad were also

carried out. Finally, secondary sources such as provincial survey Brabantse Cultuur-

participatie [Cultural Participation in Brabant]1 and an image study of Noord-Brabant

were analysed.2

The results of the baseline study revealed that there is widespread support for the

candidacy, both among citizens and among creative entrepreneurs in Brabant. The

Brabanders and the entrepreneurs are enthusiastic about the range of culture the

region offers and are largely positive about the candidacy. The extent of commit-

ment to the candidacy is already relatively high as approximately half the

Brabanders already indicate they intend to participate in the programme. The

candidacy has contributed to the diversity and size of cultural networks, and has

intensified the collaboration between cultural organisations in BrabantStad. The high

level of awareness of the candidacy and the large number of people who intend to

visit events should the title be awarded, indicate that the candidacy is already having

a positive effect. All in all, this provides a solid basis for the candidacy.

1 Bommel, M. van en Edelmann, E. (2011) Brabantse Cultuurparticipatie: monitor 2010. Tilburg, het

PON. 2

Cornelisse, M. en Wester, S. (2010) Het imago van de provincie Noord-Brabant. Naast high-touch

ook high-tech. Quint Result, Amsterdam.

6 BrabantStad’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2018


1 Analysis of the results

Because the majority of the Capitals of Culture only start to undertake research once

the title has been awarded, there are few comparable studies of cities in the candi-

dacy phase for European Capital of Culture. However, a number of indications can

be derived from prior research that indicate that BrabantStad European Capital of

Culture has already achieved relatively positive results.

The results of the baseline study reveal that there is widespread support for the

candidacy. Many people appreciate the ambition of the bid and residents, (potential)

visitors (both from within and from outside Brabant) and creative entrepreneurs in

Brabant are generally positive about the candidacy.

The 86% of Brabantpanel members who already knew what the term ‘European

Capital of Culture’ means was much higher than the 53% of Dutch people who knew

what the term meant when asked in 2010 (Raedts and Strijbosch, 2010).

The number of respondents already aware of BrabantStad’s candidacy in 2011 was

even comparable to the percentages found in cities that had already been awarded

the title of European Capital of Culture. In Luxemburg (2007) 60% of inhabitants

were aware the title had been awarded (Luxemburg Greater Region, 2008), this is

comparable to the number of people on the stadspanels in BrabantStad who are

currently aware of this fact approximately 7 years before the Cultural Capital year.

When Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008, 70% of the local

population knew something about the title and almost 60% of the national population

had heard about it. Research in Gdansk, candidate for European Capital of Culture

in Poland in 2016, revealed that in December 2010 almost three quarters of the

population had heard something about the candidacy. This figure had scarcely

changed since a prior survey conducted in February 2010, which indicates that

support for the candidacy can remain reasonably stable. In total, some 88% of the

population supported the candidacy and almost three quarters of the inhabitants

were convinced that Gdansk would also be awarded the title (although, in the end,

Wrocław won).

The level of commitment to the candidacy among Brabanders is also relatively high.

Approximately half of Brabant residents already indicated that they intend to attend

events and activities that are part of the BrabantStad European Capital of Culture

programme. That is slightly less than in Luxemburg in 2005 (60%), in spite of the

fact that 2018 is still some time away. It is therefore reasonable to expect that, if

BrabantStad were to be awarded the title, the percentage of potential visitors to the

programme would rise even further.

In Wrocław (European Cultural Capital 2016), research by PriceWaterhouse has

indicated that a strong cultural image is particularly important to being awarded the

title. The city had a cultural image score of 111.6 in comparison to an average score

of 100 for other European cities. If the quality of the range of culture on offer is

indeed one of the crucial factors, BrabantStad seems to stand a good chance of

being awarded the title.

8 BrabantStad’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2018 - Summary

Approximately 90% of the Brabantpanel members are of the opinion that culture is

important and 84% are also of the opinion that the quality of and range of culture on

offer in Brabant is good.

More than half the members of the Brabantpanel also think that the range of culture

on offer is good enough to be brought to an international audience’s attention. The

challenge is to convince the rest of the Dutch population, as only about 40% of them

think the range of culture on offer in Brabant is of an international standard, of good

quality or diverse. These people usually have an impression of Brabant as a wel-

coming area with a Burgundian lifestyle, rich in nature. They also view the province

much less as an urbanised or industrial area. Brabant’s image as an innovative area

is also much weaker in the rest of the Netherlands in spite of the fact that Brabant is

one of the most innovative regions in Europe. Non-residents are therefore more

cautious about BrabantStad’s chances: less than half of them are of the opinion that

BrabantStad has a chance of being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture.

The image problem is also reflected in the process of attracting talent. A quarter of

the entrepreneurs outside Brabant have considered relocating to Brabant, often for

economic reasons. However, individual employees primarily view Brabant as a nice

place to live more than a region that attracts talent. People who do not live in the

province tend to view it as a suitable destination for a weekend break or a day trip.

To them, picturesque villages are more characteristic of Brabant than the range of

culture on offer. The range of recreational options in Brabant is valued more positi-

vely than its range of culture. This justifies the objective of the European Capital of

Culture in raising the profile of culture in the region.

In spite of the difference of opinion concerning Brabant’s image, cultural life in the

province is vibrant and an increasing number of people are attending cultural events

or visiting cultural institutions. Over 90% of Brabant’s inhabitants attended a cultural

performance or event over the past year in comparison to 84% in 2007. Brabanders

also actively participate in culture and cultural education. This also indicates why the

cultural networks in Brabant are relatively strong. In comparison to other areas, the

population is also relatively satisfied with the range of culture on offer. 84% of the

members of the Brabantpanel are of the opinion that the cultural offer in their region

is of good quality in comparison to 80% of the inhabitants of Utrecht. Even so, not all

Brabant residents view their region as an equal competitor to Utrecht. Whilst almost

60% of people in Utrecht view their city as a strong cultural competitor in comparison

to other cities, only 42% of people in Brabant think that BrabantStad can compete

with Utrecht.

Experiences gained by prior European Capitals of Culture have demonstrated that

support from the business community is becoming increasingly important.

Sponsoring is now a more significant part of the European Capital of Culture budget

and one of the selection criteria for the European Jury is the involvement of the

business community (within and outside the cultural sector) during the bidbook

phase (Palmer and Richards, 2009). Brabant seems to already have a lot of support

from entrepreneurs. 80% of the companies and (social) institutions are of the opinion

that BrabantStad appeals to creative people and companies. In BrabantStad 78% of

the creative entrepreneurs think that the province offers them good conditions for

business development.


Almost three quarters of the creative entrepreneurs in Brabant think that the candi-

dacy is a good idea and 72% wants BrabantStad to be involved in the European

Capital of Culture. Slightly fewer entrepreneurs are aware of the candidacy than

inhabitants of the province, however the former are more familiar with BrabantStad

and are also more positive about the candidacy.

Entrepreneurs think the candidacy is a good idea because it promotes Brabant.

Naturally, they can see how this might benefit them. However, entrepreneurs are

slightly less positive about the range of culture on offer than local residents.

There are a large number of cultural networks in BrabantStad that also connect

organisations from many different sectors. This provides a basis for innovation just

as in other sectors of Brabant’s economy. The number of networks has increased

thanks to the candidacy and the size of existing networks has increased. Networks

involved in the candidacy are also more diverse than other networks. It appears that

the collaboration between organisations in BrabantStad has intensified over the past

year as a result of the candidacy.

There is a high level of agreement on the effects of the European Capital of Culture,

which is primarily viewed as a means of attracting tourists, improving the image of

Brabant(Stad) and reinforcing the range of culture on offer. The emphasis on the

economic effects is perhaps partially due to the current economic climate, which has

led to more negative responses to the expenditure for the European Capital of

Culture bid.

If we look at the overall results we can state that BrabantStad currently has a relati-

vely positive position and that the candidacy offers many opportunities.

1 Quality

The quality of the range of culture on offer in Brabant is high. The citizens of Brabant

and its creative entrepreneurs are very positive about this; non-Brabanders are

somewhat less positive. They prove to be not so much dissatisfied with the range on

offer, as they are unfamiliar with it.

2 Development

Many Brabanders participate in cultural activities and their participation in the

amateur arts is already high; the trick is to keep it this way. Brabant has strong

cultural networks that are good at finding each other. The creative entrepreneurs are

positive about the candidacy for European Capital of Culture and the conditions for

business development in Brabant.

3 Appeal

Brabant’s cultural image is much stronger among residents than it is among the rest

of the Dutch population. BrabantStad does not have a strong cultural image outside

Brabant, where it is perceived as an appealing holiday destination and a pleasant

place to live more than an area with a rich cultural life.


4 Social behaviour

Brabanders love their province, the majority view themselves as ‘true Brabanders’.

Furthermore, Brabant is home to a plethora of cultural networks, associations and

volunteers. 8% of its inhabitants volunteer in the cultural sector as opposed to 5% of

the Dutch population. Brabant is unique in this respect and this is entirely in line with

the motto of the programme: the Art of Living Together.

5 Networks

The cultural networks in Brabant are strong, yet still primarily inward looking.

BrabantStad European Capital of Culture constitutes a major opportunity to give

Brabant’s cultural networks a stronger international dimension. The candidacy has

contributed to a reinforcement of the diversity and the size of the networks.

International connections should also become a priority in the near future.

Finally

The high level of awareness of the candidacy and the high level of intention to visit

European Capital of Culture-related events indicate that the bid has already had a

positive effect. Brabant already has a high quality cultural offer, has a high level of

cultural participation and strong cultural networks. The Brabanders and entrepre-

neurs are enthusiastic about the cultural life of the region. This provides a solid basis

for the candidacy, but there is still a lot of work to be done in strengthening the

image of Brabant elsewhere. The rest of the Dutch population is much less aware of

the candidacy, the range of culture on offer and the industrial and innovative side of

Brabant.

2 Main conclusions 11

2 Main conclusions

This chapter presents the principal conclusions by research theme.

2.1 Citizens and their opinion of the European Capital of Culture

Over 80% of Brabantpanel members think they know what the term European

Capital of Culture entails. They indicated that a European Capital of Culture can

stimulate cultural development and that it can promote a region or city in

Europe.

Slightly more than half (53%) of the Brabantpanel members are aware of

BrabantStad’s candidacy and 60% of the members of the stadspanels were

aware of this. 1 in 10 of the rest of the Dutch population are aware of the

candidacy.

Slightly less than half (47%) the members of the Brabantpanel and also 47% of

the members of the stadspanels think the bid is a good idea. 41% of non-

Brabanders also think it is a good idea. 23% of Brabantpanel members do not

think it is a good idea, whereby highly-educated Brabanders were more likely to

indicate that they did not think it was a good idea than those with lower levels of

education. Of all the stadspanel members, one fifth think it is not a good idea

and of all the non-Brabanders some 35% think the candidacy is not a good

idea.

Most people read about BrabantStad’s candidacy in the newspaper.

Proponents primarily view the title European Capital of Culture as an opportu-

nity to promote the region and Brabant as a whole both nationally and inter-

nationally, and as a chance to attract tourists.

Opponents primarily indicate that the candidacy is expensive and that it is

inappropriate to make such an investment during an economic crisis.

Approximately half the Brabantpanel members (49%) and half the stadspanel

members (53%) indicated that they would visit activities organised by Brabant-

Stad European Capital of Culture.

45% of the Dutch population think that BrabantStad stands a good chance of

being awarded the title. They view Brabant as an appealing tourist destination

with a pleasant image and a good cultural offer.

Over one third of the Brabanders have heard of BrabantStad. Among non-

inhabitants familiarity with the term is (logically) a lot lower, namely 13%.

Only 9% of Brabant’s inhabitants know which five cities BrabantStad consists

of. A quarter know that the province is also part of BrabantStad.

According to 59% of the Brabantpanel members, BrabantStad should primarily

focus on preserving the open green spaces between the cities, 54% indicate it

should primarily focus on good public transport between the cities and 43%

consider liveability and safety an important point of attention for BrabantStad.


90% of the Brabanders visited one of the five cities (other than their home

town) which constitute BrabantStad in their spare time over the past year.

Eindhoven and ‘s-Hertogenbosch were the BrabantStad cities that were visited

most often.

43% of the non-Brabanders visited one of the BrabantStad cities over the past

year.’s-Hertogenbosch, Eindhoven and Breda are particularly popular destina-

tions.

Well over three quarters (77%) of the members of the stadspanels consider

themselves a Brabander [a proud inhabitant of the province of Brabant].

2.2 Image of Brabant among non-Brabanders (literature study)

The spontaneous associations people come up with for ‘Brabant’ are congenial-

lity and good times, welcoming, Burgundian lifestyle, beautiful nature and carni-

val.

Prompted image elements most frequently seen as suiting Brabant were wel-

coming, Burgundian lifestyle, rich in nature and peace & quiet. People think the

terms urbanised and industrial are less appropriate for the Province of Noord-

Brabant.

Two thirds of people who do not live in the province who have an opinion about

the cultural offer in Brabant are positive about the latter (festivals, museums,

theatre, concerts and musical performances). A large proportion of the non-

Brabanders have no opinion.

Almost 1 in 3 non-Brabanders are of the opinion that the range of culture on

offer in the province distinguishes itself positively in comparison to that in other

provinces.

1 in 3 non-Brabanders are of the opinion that the recreational options available

in Brabant distinguish themselves positively in comparison to those in other

provinces.

Almost half the non-Brabanders think the campsites and holiday parks are old

fashioned and more than half think the range of accommodation is pretty

standard.

The Brabanders are more positive about the range of culture and recreation on

offer in Noord-Brabant than the people who do not live there.

2.3 Brabanders, cultural behaviour and the candidacy

Over the past year, almost all Brabanders (94%) have attended at least one

cultural activity.

Brabanders go to cinemas, village fetes, folkloric and historic shooting associa-

tion events and festivals (music, theatre, film, poetry) more than the rest of the

Dutch population.

8% of Brabanders aged 15 and over volunteer at a cultural institution such as

museums, theatres, art house cinemas or festivals. On average this group

spends 9 hours a month doing so.

2 Main conclusions 13

Well over 80% of the visits by Brabanders to cultural activities in the Nether-

lands are conducted inside their own province. If people venture outside

Brabant then they primarily go to museums, historic buildings and historic

villages/cities.

Brabanders engage most often in activites such as playing music, drawing and

singing. People who attend lectures on local or regional history and folklore,

attend pop, classical and world music concerts, and go to musicals are most

likely to think the candidacy is a good idea. People who go to art house cine-

mas are also particularly positive.

Brabanders who are members of a folkloric-historical society think the candi-

dacy is a good idea more often than Brabanders who are not members of such

an organisation.

Brabanders who typify cultural life in Brabant as innovative and progressive are

positive about the candidacy more often than people who do not.

Brabanders who think attending cultural activities is important think it is a good

idea for BrabantStad to become European Capital of Culture in 2018 more

often than others.

The Brabanders who think art and culture should receive less subsidies are

more negative about the candidacy.

2.4 Creative entrepreneurs in Brabant on the European Capital of Culture

Almost three quarters (73%) of the creative entrepreneurs in Brabant think

BrabantStad’s candidacy is a good idea. 11% think the opposite.

For many, Brabant’s promotion is the reason for their support of the candidacy.

Reinforcing the range of culture on offer, improving BrabantStad’s international

image and ensuring more people attend cultural activities are the positive

effects of BrabantStad becoming European Capital of Culture in 2018 that

people mention the most.

76% of creative entrepreneurs want to be involved if BrabantStad becomes the

European Capital of Culture. Well over a third wish to provide services that they

will be paid for, almost 40% wish to be involved as a maker of art or culture and

11% wish to provide their services as a volunteer.

Slightly less than half the creative entrepreneurs (49%) were unaware that

BrabantStad had announced its candidacy for European Capital of Culture

before this study was conducted. 51% did know and they primarily became

aware of this fact thanks to newspapers, work or the internet.

Two thirds of the creative entrepreneurs do not know which cities are compe-

ting against BrabantStad for the title.

An ample majority of the creative entrepreneurs is positive about the conditions

for business development (78%) and the economic climate (76%) in Brabant.

59% are (very) satisfied with the innovation climate.

Two thirds of the creative entrepreneurs have paid attention to innovation over

the past 2 years. This primarily concerned marketing new products or services.


Most creative entrepreneurs are positive about the quality and variety of the

range of culture on offer in Brabant. Opinions are divided concerning whether

or not the cultural offer is good enough to promote internationally. A slight

majority thinks so; a third think this is not the case.

2.5 Network development

Cultural organisations in BrabantStad are involved in many different cultural

networks, on average slightly less than eight networks per organisation.

Over 50% of the cultural networks have over ten participating organisations.

The networks comprise organisations from many different sectors; on average

more than four sectors per network.

The networks are primarily located in BrabantStad (or one of its constituent

cities), but there is also a great deal of cooperation at a national and interna-

tional level.

Over half the cultural networks are involved in BrabantStad’s candidacy for

European Capital of Culture. New networks have also developed as a result of

this candidacy. Approximately 57% of the organisations are involved in

BrabantStad European Capital of Culture projects and in almost a quarter of

these cases the network developed because of the candidacy.

The candidacy also stimulated the development of new networks and caused

the growth of many existing networks. New networks primarily developed in the

sectors education, media and heritage.

Networks involved in the candidacy comprise more different sectors than other

networks. In other words, the candidacy has stimulated cross-sectoral coope-

ration.

The level of cooperation seen in 2011 also seems to be higher than in the

autumn of 2010. At the time, the qualitative case studies observed that there

was little cooperation with regard to BrabantStad. Institutions usually coope-

rated on an ad hoc basis, often in their own city and/or sector. At that time,

BrabantStad European Capital of Culture 2018 still had little influence on the

networks in BrabantStad.

3 Graphs 15

3 Graphs

Graph 1 Aware of BrabantStad’s candidacy (%)

Graph 2 Do you think BrabantStad’s candidacy is a good idea? (%)

12

51

53

60

88

49

47

40

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Non-Brabanders

Creative Entrepreneurs

Brabantpanel

Stadspanels

Aware Not Aware

59

53

45

43

40

41

47

73

20

16

23

22

22

3

23

11

12

18

19

25

30

35

23

10

10

13

13

10

9

21

8

7

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

s-Hertogenbosch

Breda

Helmond

Eindhoven

Tilburg

Non-Brabanders

Brabantpanel

Creative Entrepeneurs

I think it is a good idea I don't care

Ik think it is not a good idea I have no opinion


Graph 3 Do you wish to be involved in BrabantStad’s candidacy? (%)

Graph 4 How do the citizens of Brabant wish to be involved?

40

37

38

41

28

42

24

60

63

62

59

72

58

76

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Eindhoven

Tilburg

Helmond

Breda

’s-Hertogenbosch

Brabantpanel

Creative Entrepeneurs

Yes

No

1

2

4

12

49

2

1

6

11

53

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

In another way

Already involved

Maker of art and culture

Volunteer

Visitor

Stadspanels Brabantpanel

3 Graphs 17

Graph 5 How do creative entrepreneurs in Brabant wish to be involved?

Graph 6 If you do not live in Brabant, will you visit it if BrabantStad is awarded the title? (%)

41

39

11

10

7

2

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

As a maker of art and culture

By providing services I will be paid forn

By providing services as a volunteer

In another way

I am already involved

By providing sponsoring/a financial contribution

6

22

29

6

31 Definitely not

Probably not

Probably

Definitely

I am not certain (yet)


Graph 7 Are you familiar with BrabantStad? (%)

Graph 8 Which things should BrabantStad focus on in your opinion? (%)

13

50

37

38

87

50

63

62

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Non-Brabanders

Creative entrepreneurs

brabantpanel

stadspanels

Yes No

59

54

43

41

21

18

15

15

9

5

49

43

22

43

27

46

14

10

3

5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Preservation of green open spaces between the cities

Good public transport between the cities

Liveability and safety in neighbourhoods

Knowledge economy

Cooperation with other city networks in Europe

Candidacy European Capital of Culture 2018

Air quality

Combat traffic jams

New facilities for top and amateur sports

Combat the credit crisis

Creative Entrepeneurs Brabantpanel

3 Graphs 19

Graph 9 Opinion on the range of culture on offer in Brabant (%)

36

74

46

84

49

85

37

43

42

54

10

17

4

7

3

8

9

21

6

27

54

9

50

9

48

7

55

36

52

19

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Non-Brabanders

Brabanders

Non-Brabanders

Brabanders

Non-Brabanders

Brabanders

Non-Brabanders

Brabanders

Non-Brabanders

Brabanders

fits

my n

eeds

Is o

f good q

ualit

y

Is v

aried

Can c

om

pete

with

the r

ange o

f culture

o

n o

ffe

r in

Utr

ech

t

Is g

ood e

nough t

o

pro

mote

in

tern

ationally

The range of culture on offer in Noord-Brabant...

Agree (a lot) Disagree (a lot) Don’t know


Graph 10 Do you participate in a network that developed as a result of the candidacy? (% cultural organisations from Brabant)

Graph 11 Participation in a network that developed as a result of the candidacy per sector (% cultural organizations from Brabant)

57%

43% Yes

No

70

66

64

59

58

57

54

54

50

50

47

43

25

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Government bodies

Other businesses

Cultural education

Theatre, dance, music

Educational institutions

Tourist-recreational sector

Heritage (museums, monuments, archives and archeology)

Amateur art

Media

The visual arts, film and literature

Creative industry (design, architecture, e-culture)

Other

Libraries

3 Graphs 21

Graph 12 Has participation in a network as a result of the candidacy led to a new product/project? (%)

Graph 13 Location of network partners (%)

72%

15%

13%

Yes

No, not yet

7

24

39

28

36

34

54

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Outside Europe

Elsewhere in Europe

In the Netherlands

In another part of Brabant

In another part of BrabantStad

In the immediate surroundings of the own city/town

In the own city/town

4 Background information 23

4 Background information

4.1 BrabantStad’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture

Led by the city of ’s-Hertogenbosch BrabantStad has announced its candidacy for

the title of European Capital of Culture 2018. BrabantStad (Breda, Eindhoven,

Helmond, 's-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg and the Province of Noord-Brabant) was

created in 2001 and, as a network, it looks after the region’s interests. BrabantStad’s

candidacy as European Capital of Culture constitutes an investment in Brabant’s

cultural profile and cultural offer. To this end, a cultural programme is being set up

that contributes to (inter)national visibility and the way culture is experienced in the

region. BrabantStad has adopted the motto ‘De Kunst van het samenleven’ [The Art

of Living Together] which refers to the manner in which Brabanders have worked,

lived, celebrated and enjoyed life together for centuries.

The candidacy (and the possible award of the title) will provide a strong stimulus to

BrabantStad in a sustainable, long-term manner and will contribute to:

The integral development of the cultural infrastructure in close relation to other

policy fields such as education, science, technology, spatial planning, the

economy and social affairs.

Reinforcing the international appeal and visibility of the region.

The stimulation of a high-quality, modern and dynamic environment in which to

live, work, study and visit.

Good conditions for development for different local stakeholders (inhabitants,

companies, students) and visitors.

The candidacy not only provides the opportunity to reinforce BrabantStad culturally,

but can also support the networks and collaborations that are indispensible to

creating a new metropolis.

Other European Capitals of Culture’s experiences have shown that the title can

contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of a region. In order to

measure the effects of the (candidacy for) European Capital of Culture in Brabant, a

research programme was started in 2011 and this baseline study was conducted.

4.2 Research programme and the baseline measurement

The organising body 2018Brabant that is developing BrabantStad’s bid, approached

the PON and Tilburg University (Department of Leisure Studies) among others to co-

conceptualise a multi-year research programme surrounding the (candidacy for)

European Capital of Culture. This programme has been developed in close coope-

ration with the research departments of the five cities involved in the bid.


The research programme will not only study the end results, but will focus on the

process of developing the programme as a whole. The baseline study makes an

important contribution to assessing the development of a range of processes during

the candidacy and beyond

The content of the multi-year research programme constitutes the basis for this

baseline study. The approach BrabantStad has chosen (to work on the candidacy

together with the 5 cities) means multiple parties have entered into an administrative

and/or closer cooperation with one another. This means monitoring BrabantStad

European Capital of Culture is not a classic evaluation study (whereby it is solely the

end result that is measured), but it focuses on measuring the entire process.

The basis for the design of the multi-year research programme is Sacco and Blessi’s

model for a system-wide cultural district3. Sacco and Blessi applied this to the eva-

luation of European Capital of Culture Genua and Lille in 2004. The model primarily

examines the effects of the use of culture on an area and society as a whole:

‘The cultural district model (should be) focussed upon the activation effects of

culture in creating a local knowledge-friendly 'atmosphere', an economic and social

environment in which easy and continued access to cultural opportunities fosters a

widespread social orientation toward innovative thinking, far-reaching visions of

human development and social cooperation'.

Sacco and Blessi distinguish a number of characteristics for a system-wide cultural

district. These characteristics refer back to five main themes: quality, development,

appeal, social behaviour and network development. These have also been used as

the basis for the baseline measurement.

The research model is described in more detail in the full final report for the baseline

measurement”4 which also records the results per sub-study. This is the summary of

that report.

3 Sacco, P. and Tavano Blessi, G. (2007). European cultural capitals and local development strategies:

comparing the Genoa 2004 and Lille 2004 cases. Homo Oeconomicus, 24, pp.111-141. 4

Bommel, M. van, Long, du K., Luijten, J. en Richards, G. (2011) De kandidaatstelling van Brabant-

Stad voor culturele hoofdstad van Europa 2018. Nulmeting. Het PON & UvT, Tilburg. ISBN: 978-90-

5049-510-3.

Brabantstad baseline study

Documents

Transcript of Brabantstad baseline study