Creative Europe
Desk UK
for Culture

Europe’s rural regions make a substantial contribution to the richness and diversity of European culture, but are not eligible to apply for European Capital of Culture (ECOC) status. In 2007-2009 the EROC Pilot Project was developed and consisted of 3 partner regions: Cornwall in the UK, Kujawsko Pomorskie in Poland and South Ostrobothnia in Finland. Together the regions investigated the possibility of creating a parallel scheme to the ECOC which celebrates and connects rural regions, potentially to be known as European Regions of Culture, its purpose – to harness rural culture to create a better, more sustainable future for rural regions individually, collectively and in Europe as a whole. The EROC partnership share the belief that a) culture is a powerful change agent for rural regions and b) its ability to provide positive transformation will be strengthened by intercultural dialogue and cultural exchange. The project consisted of an artistic residency in each region, cultural exchange events and the formation of an expert EROC team to develop the scheme.