The European Union today announced the two locales as 2017 European Capitals of Culture, which will bring a year of ramped up cultural programming that showcases « centuries of culture while using different art forms to address the socio-economic problems facing Europe today. »
« The title of European Capital of Culture is a unique opportunity to bring communities together through culture and to foster strong local, European and international partnerships for the future, » E.U. commissioner Tibor Navracsics said in a statement. « I wish Aarhus and Pafos every success for the coming year.“