OLAFUR ELIASSON: Art can change the world ANDERS BYRIEL: Once in a lifetime JULIANA ENGBERG: Special focus on children and young people in 2017 Content 3 Let’s rethink 4 Creative cities become global cities 7 Special focus on children and young people in 2017 8 The entire region is collaborating 10 Olafur Eliasson: Art can change the world 12 Rethinking gastronomy 14 Breathing new life into old buildings in 2017 16 Red serpent - Vikings on the roof 18 Aarhus 2017 highlights not to be missed 20 More Aarhus 2017 highlights not to be missed 21 Other activities to delve into 22 Seize the moment and create a fairytale 25 Real impact on tourism 26 The indispensables 28 Once in a lifetime European Capital of Culture Programme The European Capital of Culture project was The Aarhus 2017 programme is structured around 4 launched by the European Council in 1985 to MEGA events and 12 Full Moon events around which strengthen the sense of community in Europe, a matrix of programmes are gathered to strengt- and highlight the richness and diversity of cultures hen our themes of liveability, gastronomy, nature, across the continent. Every year from among the sport and play, history, belief and generations. EU member states, two capitals of culture are de- MEGA events and Full Moon events are spec- signated. The current European Capitals of Culture tacular outdoor, large-scale and cross-artform are San Sebastian (Spain) and Wroclaw (Poland). performances. The 4 MEGA events will on average Both Aarhus and Pafos (Cyprus) have been designa- attract audiences of 60,000 people. The 12 Full ted a European Capital of Culture in 2017. The next Moon events will on average attract audiences of time Denmark will have the opportunity to apply 15,000 people. In and around these categories of for the title is in 2032. events, the programme will present more than 350 artistic and cultural projects, conferences and 19 municipalities across Central Jutland and the festivals – both on a large and a small scale. Central Denmark Region stand behind European One of the MEGA events is the opening on Saturday Capital Culture Aarhus 2017. Budget: 57,6 million 21 January 2017. EURO (428, 6 million DKK). The complete programme will be revealed on 12 October 2016. Patron: Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II FOREWORD Let´s rethink Beginning on 21 January 2017 and for 12 months to follow, Danes together with our international friends and visitors alike, will be able to experience a unique, daring and joyous year of arts and culture during our tenure as European Capital of Culture. Aarhus 2017 will mark the opening of our Under the patronage of Her Majesty and nation for growth and development European Capital of Culture year with a Queen Margrethe II, we must never in every sense, citizen pride and owner- spectacular event, where people from all forget that Aarhus 2017 is a truly national ship, a heightened profile and reputation walks of life will join together to create a event for the whole country, stretching for our region in Europe and of course wave of songs, music, light, laughter and from coast to coast and beyond our celebration and fun. A year that is origi- stories. The wave will build from the borders. Radiating the very best of Den- nal, radical, rooted and relevant. roaring coast of the North Sea and roll mark´s creative and cultural practice, across the region, reaching its crescen- into the world and vice versa, 2017 is a A bright and confident year. do at our opening night celebrations time when we will witness world class in Aarhus. Hundreds of thousands of Danes and Europeans creating their Our European Capital of Culture Aarhus our citizens from all over the Central most ambitious work together. From 2017 will be one of the most significant Denmark Region will stand shoulder the highest international quality in the cultural and social events in Denmark for to shoulder to witness and join in the contemporary ballet masterpiece, Tree many years to come, with the eyes of Eu- occasion. of Codes, with Olafur Eliasson, Wayne rope upon us and our hands and cultures MacGregor and Jamie xx, to the ‘folkelig’ joined in European fellowship. It is an opening moment that will mark moments, at our opening and closing our beginning, but it will also be the ceremonies and in Red Serpent, where And although the activities and festivi- conclusion of many years of preparation we come together as a movement to ties are still a year away, we are bursting that have preceded our year as European celebrate what makes us uniquely Danish with anticipation, excited to share your Capital of Culture – from writing the bid and to share our common history. European Capital of Culture with you. to today. Preparations that have always been driven by our longer-term perspec- This will be a year where there is a place So, here is a glimpse of what´s in store. tive to ‘Rethink’, to change mind-sets, for everyone – young and old, right and We hope this appetizer excites and to ask the big questions about who we left, the country and the city, the east encourages you to take your place in what are and who we want to be. and west. With more than 350 projects will be a complete landscape of magical under development, stretching across and meaningful meetings between people. ‘Rethinking’ is the narrative through- 365 days and into 19 municipalities, out our programme of transformative, there will be something to do or see On 12 October 2016 the full story will exciting cultural experiences, through every day in 2017. unfold before we throw open the doors performing and visual arts, to festivals, in 2017. conferences and major events, unit- It is our opportunity to create extraordi- ing the region and our many guests. nary ripples on many levels: in attractive Do mark that important date in your Internationally acclaimed artists and place-making; cultural tourism; local diaries now! local dedicated and committed cultural pride; and in using culture as the draw entrepreneurs will rethink together to for bringing different people together. A showcase how art and culture can be programme for the future where 2017 is a catalyst for change in our lives and in the game changer for 2018 and beyond Rebecca Matthews our society. for Aarhus and the region. With culture Chief Executive, in its place at the heart of the city, region Aarhus 2017 Foundation European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 > 3 PROGRAMME Creative cities become global cities Programme Director, Juliana Engberg, is looking forward to presenting Aarhus 2017 to the world. What can everyone look forward to from impressive work will be integrated into But in my view, the most important Aarhus 2017? What will the programme the programme. benefit is that being Capital of Culture consist of? And how do you plan a year raises the ambitions of a city – and its as a European Capital of Culture? In the How will the programme be structured? region. It encourages us to stand up and following you can read Juliana Engberg’s Our year of culture will combine fun with be noticed, and to become a creative city. answers to these questions. a philosophical dimension, and will be filled with collective efforts – all at a very Creative cities value art, artists, and the “Our year of culture is an opportunity to high artistic level. energies that come with new arrivals. show the world what we can imagine, They encourage risk-taking and reward create and generate, and to forge lega- Each month will feature a unique ‘cele- boldness. They celebrate diversity, cies that will move our culture forward,” bration’, with flagship events, perfor- prosper through creativity and build she says. mances and/or exhibitions. It will also vibrant, creative communities. include dozens of smaller events and What will Aarhus 2017 offer? community projects, all with a grass- Creative cities have strong identities. Aarhus 2017 aims to do several things: roots cultural ethos. These smaller They’re surprising and energised places, tell stories about Denmark’s history projects will be made by and for their where everyone can experience the joy and beliefs; showcase Jutland’s diverse communities, which means everyone of creativity, and the sense of wonder natural and cultural offering; and create has a stake in creating their own legacy. that imagination can inspire. Creative iconic new performances and works of cities see new ideas, art-forms and art. The programme will give residents We will also develop a series of major media platforms constantly emerging. and visitors the chance to celebrate and public forums – debates, discussions, They forge strong links between the contemplate, and to challenge them- lectures and conversations – to really creative and commercial worlds, which selves through culture. get to the heart of what makes us Dan- foster innovation and boost economic ish, and explore how we can rethink our growth. That’s how creative cities During the course of the year, we’ll pro- future within the European Community. become global cities. vide a platform to examine what makes us quintessentially Danish. And we’ll ask What’s the most important aspect of What about the international dimension? whether these things – our customs, being European Capital of Culture? We’re opening our doors to the world. habits and approach to life – create a It’s often said that being a European The programme includes many inter- roadmap for our future as part of the Capital of Culture helps to stimulate national artists and works, and we’ve European Community.