This proposal is concerned with contemporary social and cultural developments in Europe, set in motion by and responding to new dynamics of global migration into and across Europe. To explore these issues, our research takes as its central focus urban culture and policy in the European space, in order to address broader questions of socio-cultural diversity, interaction and citizenship. The aim of the project is to examine a range of cultural institutions, practices and policies in diverse city environments (media, music and events, cinema), and to do so with respect to particular cultural industries and forms and their multiple audiences in metropolitan settings. In selecting seven capital cities with complex interconnections, the research will bring out the dynamics and directions of change in European society and culture in the 21st century. The over-arching aim is to articulate valid and workable principles of multicultural practice and policy, and to oppose xenophobia and racism.