Urban culture, civic development

Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009, with its comprehensive cultural programme undoubtedly reflects the EU strategy to make cities more prosperous, sustainable, attractive and accessible places.
One event within the rich framework of the capital of culture 2009 will be particularly unique. The forum "Culture as a Driving Force in City Development" will take place on 19 June 2009, in Vilnius and will bring together urban scholars, city administrators, architects, cultural policy experts, artists and anyone interested in the burgeoning urban culture.

This event is designed to provide a dialogue on the key issues of contemporary urbanism and urban culture. Scholars, artists, policy makers and citizens will debate the issues of contemporary urban spaces and their potential to generate various forms of culture. The presentations during the forum will deal with the following topics: city as a scene of contested social and cultural identities, cityscapes and consumer cultures; new urban rituals; creativity and risk in the city; urban culture as a means of social inclusion and participation; and the creation of urban imagery and symbolism. The objective of this forum is to encourage individuals and different social groups to participate in urban renewal and innovative cultural strategies and ultimately to make urban culture a driving force for social change.