The City of Antwerp began to implement the project "in house". A number of working groups were established, co-ordinated by city officials. A dossier of projects was developed along conventional city marketing lines drawing together ideas from interested organisations. The City appointed an advisory committee which recommended a fresh start through an especially-created agency with an appointed director.

A new body was created in September 1990 with Mr Eric Antonis as Director. Following public hearings, a policy plan was agreed in January 1991, which proposed a festival programme designed to explore the place of art in contemporary life. An artistic rationale was placed at the centre of the project, ahead of any wider, social or economic objectives. This was described as "opting for art", which meant placing the emphasis on high quality, innovatory work, respecting the autonomy of selected artists (often young or less well-known), and recognising that 'art is critical, knows doubts and asks questions". Antwerp 93's radical intention was to present the city where "the scope for contemporary art tends to be restricted", with a coherent and challenging supplement to its regular artistic programme.

Source: European Cities of Culture and Cultural Months, Full Report: Unabridged Version, John Myerscough, October 1994