Robert Palmer

Robert Palmer is an independent consultant who works internationally on a wide range of cultural projects in the areas of cultural policy and strategy, cultural heritage, festivals and events, the creative economy and issues related to cultural policy and strategy, cultural rights and the cultural development of cities. He was formerly the Director of Culture and Cultural and National Heritage for the Council of Europe based in Strasbourg, France (2006–2013).

Prior to joining the Council of Europe, Robert Palmer had worked in the cultural sector for more than thirty years. His work included being an adviser to cities and regions concerning cultural development and regeneration, cultural tourism, festivals and arts policies. He advises UNESCO, European Commission, Agenda 21 for Culture (UCLG), the British Council, and many different European Cultural Institutes and cultural networks on cultural matters. He was the Director of the Scottish Arts Council and Director of Culture for the City of Glasgow, and was formerly a theater director.

Robert Palmer was the Director of two European Capitals of Culture (Glasgow and Brussels), published a report (the Palmer Report) for the European Commission evaluating forty European Capitals of Culture (available on the European Commission website), was the Chair of the European Jury that selects European Capitals of Culture, and has advised many cities that have received the ECoC designation. He has been directly involved in fifteen EcoCs in twelve countries. He is the author of the book “Eventful Cities: Cultural Management and Urban Regeneration” and a wide range of articles and other publications. He is a visiting professor for cultural policy and management at several universities, and is Honorary Professor at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, where he currently resides.