Cities are seeking a cultural redefinition, especially when they set out to host an event of an international nature that calls for a joint strategy. The candidacy of Burgos to become the European Capital of Culture calls for a city-wide project at all levels, with the necessary participation of all social activists, economic and political actors and, of course, cultural animators. For this reason, the Burgos Strategic Plan Association together with the City Council have jointly promoted the drafting of a Strategic Cultural Plan for the city (PEC-Plan Estratégico de la Ciuidad). This association brings together more than 60 organizations, associations, firms, political parties, trade unions, and institutions and is active in those areas which affect the economic and social life of Burgos, coordinating public and private initiatives.

The Cultural Plan of the City of Burgos began to carry forward its activities over the last few weeks of 2008 and its preparations will culminate at the end of this summer. It is a process of reflection that is open to the public, which has led to the design of a model for a cultural city shared through in-depth participative work. In brief, the Cultural Plan is a working guide shared by as many citizens, and cultural and social organizations as possible. Its result is not an academic document intended solely to stimulate reflection. It sets out a plan of action, a set of measures to be developed. It will identify projects, some already envisaged, other yet to be developed, and it will reach agreement on political, economic and social commitments so that they become a reality.

Its participative nature is fundamental to the creation of a solid cultural backdrop that will help with the subsequent preparation of the cultural project that the city will present as a candidate to become the European Capital of Culture 2016. The European Commission, through the Capitals of Culture programme, wishes culture to occupy a privileged position on local agendas and wishes cultural and social animators themselves to define the model to be followed. In addition, the cities that wish to become European Capitals of Culture have to draw up a long-term strategy, in which the Cultural Plan carries a lot of weight.

• Concrete objectives of the Cultural Plan:

• Consultants:

The work group leader is Félix Manito, an expert in strategic planning and public participation in the fields of culture and local governance, who has worked with the Ministry of Culture, the European Union, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and cities such as Barcelona, Zaragoza and Palma de Mallorca.

• How can you participate?

The Cultural Plan is open to the public. To learn more about the latest news and key dates, visit www.burgosciudad21.org and participate in the forums and surveys.

• Workshops

The Cultural Plan has held five workshops that served as meeting points and forums for exchanges of information between creative artists and those with an interest in culture. They were called 'The City and Culture', 'The Creative City', 'The Attractive City', 'The Cohesive City' and 'The City of Heritage'. In all of these workshops, various speakers from Burgos support a speaker from outside Burgos, who is responsible for contributing a different cultural viewpoint and its different visions. Videos of each workshop may be viewed at www.burgosciudad21.org