ABOUT US

The US Capital of Culture was created by the American Cultural Tourism Association and designed to:

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• Highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in the United States

• Celebrate the cultural features Americans share

• Increase U.S. citizens' sense of belonging to a common cultural area

• Foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities

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In addition to this, experience has shown that the event is an excellent opportunity for:

• Regenerate cities

• Raise the international profile of cities;

• Enhance the image of cities in the eyes of their own inhabitants

• Breath new life into a city's culture

• Boost tourism

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How Does It Work?

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Four years before the title-year the American Cultural Tourism Association publishes a call for applications, usually through the individual state and territory tourism boards. Cities interested in participating in the competition must submit a proposal for consideration.

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The submitted applications are reviewed against a set of established criteria during a pre-selection phase by a panel of independent experts in the field of culture. The panel agrees on a short-list of finalist cities, which are then asked to submit more detailed applications.

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The panel then reconvenes to assess the final applications and recommends one city for the title. The recommended city will then be formally designated as US Capital of Culture.

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The Association appoints a US Capital of Culture Commissioner whose role is to ensure that the rules established at Association level are respected all along the way.

From Designation To 

Implementation...

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U.S. Capitals of Culture are formally designated three years before the actual year. This long period of time is necessary for the planning and preparation of such a complex event. The panel, supported by the American Cultural Association membership, has a continuing role during these three years in supporting U.S. Capitals of Culture with advice and guidance, taking stock of their preparations.

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Selection Committee

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Our nomination committee will include representatives from: museums (art, science, history) music, live theater, food, wine & liquor, travel, media (film, print, digital), hospitality, architectural and design institutions, convention and tourism boards, and others.

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