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KEA has been selected through a public tender by the Foundation Mons2015 to assess the economic, social and cultural impacts of “Mons – European Capital of Culture 2015”.

The Belgium city plans an investment of € 75 million to celebrate artistic excellence and creativity. Mons –the major of which is the country Prime Minister Mr Elio di Rupo – has a strong cultural identity and a rich industrial past. Its future is linked to the development of a rich cultural offer and its capacity to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship through creativity.

KEA is looking forward to undertake this long term evaluation (2012-2016) that will serve local public authorities to monitor and assess the impact of Mons’ cultural investment on the economic and social development of the city and its surroundings “Le Borinage”. The innovative evaluation model designed by KEA relies on the theory of the spillover or “indirect” effects of the cultural and creative industries. It has been primarily conceived to contribute to the sustainability of major cultural investments. This model could be used for other cities to measure the socioeconomic impact of big cultural events.

KEA is teaming up with the Faculty of Economics and Management from the University of Mons…

KEA is a Brussels-based strategic consultancy and research center providing advice, support and research in relation to creative industries, cultural, entertainment, media and sport sectors. KEA has conducted landmark studies for the European Commission on the “Economy of Culture in Europe” and on “The Impact of Culture on Creativity”. KEA is  specialised in advising regions and cities throughout Europe on CCI policies.  It has recently set up the winning ECIA consortium and developed a set of indicators (the “benchmarking raster”) to measure the economic impact of local CCIs policies for the INTERREG network CREA.RE. It is advising the European Parliament on the EU Cohesion Policy in relation to culture.  For more information please consult: www.keanet.eu. Contact person: Valentina Montalto, vmontalto@keanet.eu +32 2 289 26 00.