ecce opening: incentives for a "special urban policy"

What is ecce? As British urban researcher Charles Landry put it in a humorous way: „Ecce does not know everything . But ecce is a place where you can find out everything.“

On the occasion of the official opening of the european centre for creative economy (ecce) in the Dortmunder U, illustrious personalities from the field of politics and culture pointed out the current and future incentives generated by this institution. Especially with regard to Europe, ecce’s work is diligently observed and appreciated.

In her opening speech, Ute Schäfer, the culture minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, regarded ecce as a „hub“ capable of setting lasting impulses and inspiring a „special urban policy“. The minister emphasised the significance of the creative industry, calling the sector a booming economic factor.

Ullrich Sierau, the mayor of Dortmund, made some similar comments, pointing out the cultural incentives for the urban environment. According to EU commissioner Reinhard Büscher, the creative sectors do not only generate new jobs, but also influence other industrial fields with their innovative approach.

Laure Kaltenbach of the Forum d’Avignon considered ecce to be a combination of creativity, innovation, and cultural industry. EU commissioner Vladimir Sucha supported this point of view, referring to ecce as the nucleus of a European network, capable of transferring local input to a national or even European level.

• Home at last: ecce in the new "U" premises – opening ceremony with illustrious guests

• Politics and Strategies