Cork's programme for the European Capital of Culture is designed to take into account the new EU of 25 states and to balance both the international and the national with the local, Cork 2005 director Mr John Kennedy declared at the weekend.
"In devising a programme of activities that would do justice to both the designation as European Capital of Culture and to the city of Cork, we have had to take into account the changing nature of life on this island. We have also had to reach towards the new Europe.
"Because our programme has emerged from a public call, it represents a unique snapshot of how we view our culture at this moment in time. Over the coming year we will have the opportunity to celebrate the local side by side with the national and the international."
Mr Kennedy told how he had recently overheard an elderly woman in Cork say "Oh yes, it's going to be a great year - we're getting a whole new culture"; and while culture could not be simply bought off the shelf, the woman did reflect a real sense of expectation in Cork.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony in Cork City Hall, Mr Kennedy said the Capital of Culture designation brought a huge responsibility. For the next year, Cork would be the focus of attention in a European context.
"The wider programme of activities this weekend also contains performers and artists from many different countries. All are gathered here to join in a celebration of a wider European culture - this weekend is in effect a microcosm of the year to come."
But Mr Kennedy also stressed that Cork's Capital of Culture Programme was aimed not just at celebrating national diversity but also at celebrating and embracing those who are often excluded and marginalised in celebrations of culture.
"Makers [of culture] come in many guises. Not all have art college qualifications. Nor should they.
"The Cork 2005 programme represents makers from all areas of society. The often overlooked is given equal space with the well known," he said.
"During this year, the marginalised will share the stage with those traditionally thought to be at the centre. We will blur the normal meanings associated with words like 'amateur', 'professional' 'elite' - we will host a Capital of Culture where all makers are equal.
"Will this give us 'a whole new culture' as that wise lady said? That's for others to decide.
"For today, let us celebrate both difference and sameness, let us join as maker and viewer and let us enjoy the moment as Cork takes its place amongst the select cities of Europe."