In May 2003, the European Parliament voted Patra (or Patras) as the European Cultural Capital of 2006 . The third largest city in Greece and capital of Achaia prefecture actually placed its candidacy in December 2001. At the time, then mayor Evangelos Floratos felt confident that his port city would be well prepared to assume the role, even prior to 2006.

Following last May’s vote, Patra will become the third Greek city to star as European Cultural Capital (Athens was the first city to launch the institution in 1985 materialising an initiative by legendary Greek Culture Minister Melina Merkouri, Thessaloniki followed suit in 1997). Lille, in France and Genoa in Italy will be this year’s Cultural Capitals and Cork, in England, will hold the title in 2005.

The European Cultural Capitals project, not only unites culture enthusiasts from throughout the continent, but primarily seeks to highlight the wealth, diversity and common features of European cultures, while promoting a greater mutual understanding amongst European citizens.

Culturally cool
As a main port where hundreds of thousands of passengers embark and disembark each year, Patra has a thriving cultural community. This maritime hub of the Mediterranean basin boasts an international festival of music, art and dance, its highly popular Carnival festivities and a top-quality Shadow Theatre and Poetry Symposium, all of which are annual, large-scale events.

Moreover, Patra hosts several conservatories and music schools, including one devoted exclusively to Byzantine music , and a number of orchestras and choirs. The Peloponnesian city also houses a Municipal Regional Theatre, a school of icon painting, a municipal art gallery, as well as private many ones, an archaeological museum, and a folk art museum.

Remodeling for the future
The European Parliament estimates the budget for the cultural programme during Patras’ reign as European Cultural Capital at 36 million Euros. In addition, 100 million euros have been earmarked for investments in infrastructure and 4 million euros for marketing and promotion. These costs are mainly to be covered by the ministry of culture , with added funds raised through entrance charges and sales, sponsorships and the European Union .

Relatively small in terms of population (200 thousand, 25,000 of whom make up the large student population), Patra currently lacks certain key facilities necessary for the hosting of large-scale cultural programmes. Nonetheless, the city has plans for major infrastructure projects. In its bid-proposal, the Patra Municipality explained how the city would be remodeled if chosen as the Cultural Capital of 2006. With the Patra historic centre as focal point, planned structural improvements, to be executed by engineering companies Ellinotechniki ATE and Planet Ernest & Young SA, include the following:
* Enhancement of the Athens-Patra-Pyrgos- Olympia road axis.
* Completion of the Rio-Antirio bridge , linking the Peloponnese with Central Greece.
* A 19-km ring-road with links to the city centre and other destinations.
* Improvements to the Araxos airport (27 km from the city).
* Enhancement of the rail network.
* Construction of a new archaeological museum and museum of folk culture.
* Remodeling of streets, conversions to pedestrian precincts.
* Private investments in the centre and periphery, with emphasis on recreation, tourism, and digital technology.
* Completion of the University of Patra premises, with a new conference centre, new faculties and departments.
* Integrated infrastructure of sports projects.

Fitting the bill
In its Report on the Greek Nomination for the European Capital of Culture 2006 , the EU Selection Panel stated its concern regarding Patra’s “largely focusing on cultural heritage and history, and on activities which encourage the participation of local citizens, and inadequately on artistic creation and contemporary culture.” The panel was also concerned that young people may be under-represented in the plans, especially in view of an absence of specific projects related to creative technologies and media.

The Patra Municipality, however, alongside Patra-born, leading composer and former culture minister Thanos Mikroutsikos deemed as the organisation’s artistic director, feel confident that these issues will be overcome. Opinion polls carried out amongst Patra residents reveal that enthusiasm for an improved city is high and that participation from all sides to make the programme a success will be even higher.

The city expects that the benefits, not only during but especially after 2006, will be numerous. Above all, Patra seems eager to reintroduce itself to modern Europe as a promising and culturally savvy metropolis.