During his speech Klaus Bondam talked about the role of cultural institutes in cultural relations and in particular the role of the long established Danish Cultural Institute as a “bridge builder”.

Klaus Bondam also pointed to the possibility of a future and long lasting co-operation with EUNIC.

As the second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus is also traditionally the city which has had the strongest cultural sector in the country outside of the capital. Its municipality has initiated several projects and initiatives covering both urban development as well as cultural projects in order to facilitate the working conditions for the cultural environments.

The overall theme for 2017 is Rethink, including the main programme platforms Rethinking the City, Rethinking Creativity, Rethinking Values, Rethinking Generations and Rethinking Europe.

During their presentation, project manager Trevor Davies and Aarhus’ Deputy Mayor for Culture Marc Perera Christensen did not only highlight the strengths of Aarhus but also expressed their wish to create a strong and lasting contact and dialogue between important cultural and creative stakeholders in the city of Aarhus and the rest of Europe.

The presentation took place on 8 November 2011, at the Central Denmark EU Office. 

For more information please visit www.aarhus2017.dk and the website of the Danish Cultural Institute Benelux.

Photo: © Cees van Roeden

Added: 8 November 2011