Along with two fellow artists – Andreas Hedberg and Petra Lundström- I have been working hard for many months now preparing to commemorate this special year which looks at culture as being the driving force for human growth. Together we have developed our personal interpretations of the theme transformation, each with a wholly new series of work specially for Umea2014. Umeå2014 is a window to all
of Europe. It is being used to show that it is one of the foremost culture-driven cities in Europe. Before, during and after 2014 cultural exchanges between Umeå and the rest of Europe will increase. This means that Europe has an opportunity to become acquainted with Umeå’s cultural scene. It is also an opportunity to establish bonds with new European friends. Raising northern Sweden’s European profile
In its verdict, the jury cited Umeå’s ambition to make the city and northern Sweden more visible in Europe and to use culture as a driving force in regional development. The jury was unanimous in recommending Umeå as European Capital of Culture 2014. Umeå was a truly great cultural city even before selection as capital of culture. Thus, 2014 will be used to step up the pace and become even sharper. A programme of co-creation
“Co-creation” is the key word in Umeå2014’s capital of culture initiative. Here, the concept means that everyone can participate and contribute to the programme. To promote a long-term perspective and encourage the continuance of capital of culture activities beyond 2014, it is intended that projects should be run by the “cultural operators” themselves. An Umeå2014 team will be receiving suggestions, coordinating activities and granting funds. However, it cannot manage projects. In other words, most of our capital of culture activities will be run by associations, organisations, cultural institutions and other interested parties. Visit http://umea2014.se/en/about-umea2014/ for more information.
