EcocNews is delighted to feature an article today by Beatriz Garcia, one of the leading experts on European Capitals of Culture. It has been 40 years since this European programme began. In this article, Beatriz Garcia helps us to better understand what has happened over the years, particularly in terms of the connections and challenges centred on culture and cities. Starting with the Ecoc family and Culture Next of which EcocNews is an official media partner.

After having interviewed Steve Green, Bob Scott, Franco Bianchini, and Chris Torch today we ask the same questions to another ECOCs expert, Beatriz Garcia, Associate Director – Centre for Cultural Value, University of Liverpool.