From Cultural Strategy to European Capital of Culture Preparation
How can a Municipality or Region transform its cultural vision into a comprehensive strategy, European partnerships, active participation by the local community, and meaningful development impact?
For Greek cities seriously considering a future bid for the title of European Capital of Culture, preparation needs to begin before the official call is launched. With 2027 on the horizon, it is crucial to start developing the cultural strategy, partnerships and networks, local community participation, and organisational readiness required for a strong bid.
In this context, MENTOR in Culture, as an Erasmus+ accredited organisation in the field of Adult Education, is preparing a specialised field-based learning programme in Larnaka, European Capital of Culture 2030, for employees and staff of Municipalities and Regional Authorities.
The programme will focus on the journey of Larnaka 2030 and on the practices through which a city’s cultural vision is transformed into strategy, partnerships, organisational development, and an actionable plan with a European perspective.
Through working sessions, presentations, site visits, and case studies, participants will explore:
The programme will draw on the experience of Kelly Diapouli, Artistic Director of Larnaka 2030, who held overall responsibility for the design and drafting of the Eleusis and Larnaka bid books, as well as Panos Gkiokas, Founder & CEO of MENTOR in Culture, who participated in the respective bidding and drafting teams, with responsibility for key areas of both candidacies.
The aim is for participants to return to their organisations with practical tools, new ideas, and an initial implementation framework, adapted to the needs of their Municipality or Region.
For a Municipality considering a future bid for the title, participation can constitute a first meaningful step in strategic preparation. For Municipalities and Regions that are not planning to bid for the title, the same experience offers tools to strengthen cultural strategy, European outreach, partnerships, and citizen participation.
The programme is addressed to staff working in the fields of:
This is not simply an educational visit, but a structured process of strategic preparation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, directly connected to the needs of Local Government.
At this stage, MENTOR in Culture invites Municipalities and Regional Authorities to express their interest in participating. The exact dates and duration of the mobility will be finalised following the completion of the expression-of-interest process.
Available places: 12
Expression of interest deadline: 5 September 2026
Expression of interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbyYnQQ2FJg8Jf_PhFvCBMZ6GNJM8PbSO1mli8kZpz3VDxTw/viewform
📩 [email protected]
The mobility will be implemented within the framework of an approved Erasmus+ project. Eligible costs will be covered in accordance with the programme’s terms, applicable amounts, and eligibility rules.
Submitting an expression of interest does not automatically confirm participation. In the event of high demand, applications will be evaluated, eligibility will be verified, and participation will be finalised accordingly.