Once the accolade of Cultural Capital of Europe 1990 had been awarded by the European Community cultural ministers, the drive and finance came primarily from the local authorities. The motive to profit from the event arose from the desire to demonstrate a new face of Glasgow, as a European post-industrial city geared to growth and a commitment to using the arts as a means of communicating its renaissance.

Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Regional Council decided to adopt an all- encompassing approach to the 1990 programme, spread over an entire 12 month period. This contrasts with previous European Cultural Capitals, which had devised concentrated programmes of arts festival events.

In addition to the regular activity undertaken by Glasgow's established arts institutions and organisations, a substantial programme was provided by independent projects, centrally-initiated promotions and support to the work of the main institutions. A range of initiatives were funded in the fields of education, social work, community events and celebrations. Many agencies and organisations were galvanised into delivering projects for 1990.

Revenue support for the 1990 programme totalled £32.7 million, mainly provided by the two responsible local authorities. Programming accounted for £ 26.8 million, including community events and celebrations (£ 5.1 million) and social work/education (£ 3.7 million). Other areas of expenditure were marketing (£ 4.9 million) and administration (£ 0.9 million).

Source: "The 1990 Story, Glasgow Cultural Capital of Europe", Glasgow Development Agency