Athens was named the Emerging Cultural City of the Year for 2017 at the Leading Culture Destinations Awards in London on Friday. The Greek capital was lauded for managing to a maintain a thriving cultural scene despite the country’s protracted financial crisis. It was the LCD Travellers’ Award.
The award was received by Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis. “Our city is attractive, safe and open to innovation,” he said, adding that it is ready to host new cultural events. Kaminis also said that Athens had been bestowed a “great distinction” by being named UNESCO’S World Book Capital for 2018, beginning in April.
Athens had submitted its bid for the title of the 2017 Emerging Cultural City of the Year along cities such as Los Angeles, Quebec, Venice and Oslo.
The event presented 17 categories including the new Climate Smart Award for museums and cultural destinations with educational programs around one of the biggest future challenges: Climate change.
The winners were be officially announced at the Awards ceremony held in London, where the category winners each received their trophy designed by United Visual Artists.
“Emerging” ??? That’s a good one !
Apparently, Venice was also a candidate for “emerging city” — although perhaps a specific category of “submerging city” would give it a better chance. LOL. What is wrong with the brains of the bureaucrats who dream up these titles?