ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses series of studies in relation to European Capitals of Culture (ECOCs). It examines several cities, including in particular the French cities of Lille 2004 and Marseille-Provence 2013. The chapter explains three recurring topics concerning social participation during their years as ECOCs: the general question of the sense of shared meaning behind the project; the specific question of the project's cultural identity; and the difficult issue of a sustainable social impact. This ECOCs area of intervention and public funding has emerged in response to the socioeconomic, urban development and environmental problems of urban areas and the desire for action on the part of the local authorities facing these challenges. Cultural-led regeneration and image-remaking strategies are part of new city governance, in which different partners are work together in managing urban change and 'transformation'. Culture also enables Liverpool's citizens to express affiliation and identity, whether through mass support for Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs or through more intimate icons.
