Warsaw is competing against other big Polish cities to be named European Capital of Culture in 2016. One Polish city and one Spanish city will share the title, which will be parceled out between states from the "old" and "new" European Union.

Both countries have until 2010 to submit their proposals to the Council of the European Union. Apart from Warsaw, Gdańsk, Lublin, £ód¼, Toruń and Wroc³aw have started work on their bids.

As well as the prestige and PR opportunities involved, the winner of the Capital of Culture title can look forward to a substantial sum of money from the European Commission for projects and events over the 12 months it holds the honor.

It is also an opportunity to mobilize artistic circles and the wider community.

The Warsaw authorities announced the city was bidding for the title at the same time the InfoQultura 2016 cultural information center opened. Its role is to integrate artistic circles and to monitor the capital's preparations and the city's chances of winning the prestigious European title.

Meanwhile, summer festivals are continuing in Warsaw. The Mozart Festival inaugurated the summer cultural season. The Warsaw Photographic Festival is continuing, as are jazz events, such as the Jazz in the Old Town and Warsaw Summer Jazz Days, alongside screenings of old and new films, the International Mime Festival and many other artistic events. The City Voice invites you to Warsaw to catch this feast of culture.