The legacy of Stavanger as Capital of Culture in Europe 2008: watershed or puff of wind?

When studying the impact of cultural mega events, researchers tend to scrutinise their economic benefits, cultural identity, competitive advantage in attracting the attention of important stakeholders or the effect on regional development and urban regeneration. The impact on the field of cultural production has received less attention. In this article, the authors highlight the latter. Stavanger, Norway, was the 2008 European Capital of Culture. We present an analysis of the impact of this mega event on the cultural sector in the Stavanger region. Using Bourdieu's notions of social field and social capital, this article explores the interplay between this mega event and the structure of the local field of culture. The authors analyse (1) the impact on the field itself; and (2) how it affected different parts of the sector differently. The article concludes that the field was 'lifted'. At the same time, the larger and most institutionalised producers – the core arts institutions – gained the most, especially by increasing their social capital. Keywords: European Capital of Cultureregional regenerationsocial capital Notes 1. In several academic anthologies like Cultural Policy and Urban Regeneration (Bianchini and Parkinson Citation1993) and Creative Regions (Cooke and Schwarts 2007), and in reports on ECC like Palmer and Richards (Citation2007, Citation2009), these elements are discussed. See also the Web site of Lab for Culture: European Capitals of Culture for an overview: http://www.labforculture.org/en/Resources-for-Research/Contents/Research-in-focus/European-Capitals-of-Culture. 2. The two objectives not mentioned here were: 'Contribute to cultural curiosity and tolerance' and 'Enhance regional identity and pride'. 3. In 2005, S2008 invited project proposals from external producers ('open call'). They received ca. 700 applications; 70 projects received funding from S2008. 4. When we refer to the year of the ECC itself, we use the term 'Stavanger2008'. 'S2008' refers to the Stavanger 2008 organisation. 5. 'Artists in residency' were international companies that played an integral part of Stavanger 2008. The idea of bringing these groups to Stavanger was that they should share their skills through collaboration with regional artists. 6. The long‐term legacies and sustainability beyond the first five years often is perceived as the key measure for success within urban regeneration (Garcia Citation2005). 7. This aspect also was highlighted by some larger institutions. Their cultural production during Stavanger2008 was a significant factor contributing to the organisation now applying for, some also achieving, increased regular state funding.