Leeuwarden 2018: Complexity of Leisure-Led Regional Development in A European Capital of Culture

Abstract

Leeuwarden was chosen as European Capital of Culture (ECOC) for 2018. We address, through a complexity perspective, how leisure characteristics of the ECOC can affect regional development in Fryslân. Three aspects are identified that make leisure-led regional development complex: (i) fragmentation of the leisure sector; (ii) balance between developing leisure and protecting existing social, cultural and ecological qualities; and (iii) difficulties obtaining crossovers between leisure and broader regional development. In an analysis of policy documents for the 2018 ECOC, we observe that although the interactions central to these complexities are recognised they are not captured in the monitoring of the ECOC effects through quantified targets such as attracting four million tourists. We argue that an approach that constantly acknowledges the interactions within leisure is required for a positive effect on regional development to emerge. This necessitates a process in which targets can be adapted according to changing circumstances.