Europese cultuurhoofdstad 2014: Umeå in Zweden (en)
Umeå will be the European Capital of Culture 2014. This has now been decided, following the final presentations by the two candidates Lund and Umeå before the Swedish Capital of Culture jury on Tuesday.
Umeå’s nomination for European Capital of Culture 2014
Photographer: Anders Wiklund / SCANPIX
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Umeå’s nomination for European Capital of Culture 2014
Photographer: Henrik Montgomery / SCANPIX
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Umeå’s nomination for European Capital of Culture 2014
Photographer: Henrik Montgomery / SCANPIX
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The decision was announced by the chair of the jury, Sir Robert Scott, at a well-attended press conference at the Swedish Arts Council in Stockholm.
“It was a difficult decision. Both Lund and Umeå had strong applications, but we chose Umeå because its application matched our criteria well. Umeå had very credible arguments based on culture’s role as a force for development, something that is important for the whole of Europe”, says Sir Robert Scott in a press comment.
Umeå will be the most northernmost Capital of Culture so far and the city’s application, under the heading ‘Curiosity and Passion – the art of co-creation’, is based on the eight Sami seasons, from Gijrradálvvie (spring winter) to Dálvvie (winter). The Sami culture is present throughout the programme, including in the world premiere of the multi-art work ‘Rock Art in Sápmi’.
“I am pleased for Umeå and look forward to 2014. The jury must have found their task difficult. I know that both cities had what was required to be excellent Capitals of Culture and good ambassadors for Sweden”, says Minister for Culture Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth.
The EU has been appointing European Capitals of Culture since 1985. The aim is to draw attention to the cultural treasures in Europe and to contribute to the development of mutual understanding between its peoples. The title is held for one year, and the EU Member States take turns to host a European Capital of Culture. Each year two cities in different Member States hold the title.
In 2014 Sweden and Latvia will be the host countries for the two European Capitals of Culture. On 15 September the Latvian city that is to share the title of European Capital of Culture 2014 with Umeå will be announced.