In our class last week we discussed networks, actors, and agency. Networks seem to be an obvious concept and easily discernible in various narratives. Similarly actors seem to be the individuals within networks interacting and engaging in the situations. Agency was a concept I initially had a difficult time grasping. My current understand is agency is the ability for individuals to act freely. Sometimes, this agency is restricted indirectly by other networks or individuals, or even the intentional agency of others.
For my larger project, these roles have become quite pertinent. As I have still not chosen three cities to focus on, I now realize the importance of the choice. While I will probably be ultimately limited by language barriers in choosing my cities, I would ideally like to map the networks, individuals and agency of the European Capitals of Culture. The networks are the cities themselves and the European Union. It is the similarities but also diversity within these networks that make the cities representations of European culture. I would assume that the networks and actors within the confines of each city use their agency to advance the city as a European Capital of Culture. This prompts numerous questions. On the local level, what are local governments looking to achieve during their year as ECC. In comparison, is the agency of the EU tied to political efforts. Why did the EU choose cites that weren’t part of the EU. Are the efforts of both the cities and the EU morally sound for the benefit of the entire community, or do they have an ulterior motives.
While my focus is to map various hubs of European culture, last week’s class last reminded me of the importance of people and their actions. The intricate reasonings and relationships between these networks, both horizontally and vertically across Europe uncovers the similarities of the cities rather than comparing their local culture. History truly seems to be a narrative of connections between actors and networks, making it increasingly vibrant and engaging!
The connection between European cities and what makes them ‘European’ so to speak is an interesting proposal, one that I am looking forward to hearing more about. My thought is to map the networks, individuals and agents that connect these cities will be a lot! Perhaps, especially because you have yet to pick your cities, you should start by finding some sort of connection between these cities. Something more than being awarded European Capital of Culture. Is there some connection between the cities that won that the cities that didn’t don’t have? For example, I know that Dundee was in the running for the 2015 European Capital of Culture, is there some that is missing in the outlook of this city, in the culture of this city, in the society of this city, that the winner Plzen (?) had? This could tie in with your question of why did the EU choose cities that weren’t part of the EU, to focus on the networks connecting these cities besides the fact that they were chosen.
What I’m trying (not so eloquently) to say is to look at the winners, look towards the connections between the winners, whether through agents, or a wider network of political ideas, and from there choose your cities. And to increase the argument, look to those that were nominated but did not win, were they left out of the network? Is that why they didn’t win?