Cultural Mega-Events: Opportunities and Risks for Heritage Cities

Cities use mega-events like the European Capital of Culture to gain global recognition and attract investment, but they also raise questions about the traditional model of other events like the Olympic Games. This book explores the physical effects and institutional changes of mega-events on heritage areas, focusing on three World Heritage Cities: Genoa, Liverpool, and Istanbul. It highlights the potential benefits and challenges of integrating event and heritage planning to better prepare for future historic cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Cities have long employed mega-events as a strategic tool to attain global recognition and attract future economic investment. While cultural mega-events like the European Capital of Culture have gained widespread popularity, cities have started to challenge the traditional model of other events, such as the Olympic Games, with many candidate cities withdrawing their bids in recent years. This approach to city planning and development through mega-events brings about a wide array of physical impacts and intricate institutional transformations, particularly in sensitive heritage areas. This book delves into these concerns by first examining the dynamics of cities' efforts to minimize overall costs and enhance the sustainability of these large-scale events by integrating them more seamlessly into the existing fabric of the city. Secondly, it conducts in-depth research on the impact of hosting these events on the heritage of host cities. The book explores three World Heritage Cities: Genoa, Liverpool, and Istanbul, each of which has served as the European Capital of Culture and presented a range of opportunities and risks for their heritage. The book highlights the potential benefits and challenges of integrating event and heritage planning to offer valuable lessons for future historic cities and heritage decision-makers in preparing for such events.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032474717