Task

The European Union culture committee has determined that in 2010 it will be a German city that will be named as that years European City of Culture and therefore the Cultural Capital of Europe for the year. Previous German cities to have been awarded this honourable title are West Berlin in 1988 and Weimar in 1999.

To understand the background to the City of Culture program and it's rationale, visit the following site.

City Mayors.com

The German government has asked that all German cities who would like to nominate themselves for consideration for this title, put together a submission to be presented to the Bundesrat.  The Bundesrat will determine a short list from the entries received and will then pass this list on as Germany's recommendation to the Council of European Communities. It is the Council who will make the final decision.

You have been employed by the Dresden City of Culture submission committee to help to compile their entry. The body has decided that there are 4 main criteria that they would need to include. These are:

• History

• Culture

• Artistic prominence

• Political history and role

You have been recruited to a team that is gathering background research to help in the preparation of the submission for Dresden. You will be required to take responsibility for researching a specific section within the proposal and will need to do this using the provided resources as your guide.

Before you begin, your team needs to get an overall feel for Dresden. You will do this by clicking on the Background link above and conducting your background investigation into Dresden.