Turku is European Capital of Culture in 2011
In November 2007, the EU Council of Ministers of Culture in Brussels officially named Turku, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia as the European Capitals of Culture for 2011.
As the result of the successful planning and bidding process which was initiated in 2001 and began in 2004, Turku was chosen as the Finnish Candidate for the Capital of Culture from among seven candidate cities in June 2006. The selection panel nominated by the European Union evaluated Turku’s application for the Capital of Culture in June 2007 and found it impressive. The final nomination for Capil of Culture was made on 16 November 2007.
Turku 2011 is a national project. It offers a unique opportunity for presenting Finnish culture and achievements as well as our innovation and welfare society to the rest of Europe as well as the whole world. Together with Tallinn, the other Capital of Culture in 2011, Turku will turn the attention of the rest of the world to the Baltic Sea region. Turku and Tallinn build their Capital of Culture years in close cooperation.
During the coming years, operational pre-conditions for pursuing cultural endeavours will be improved in the city of Turku, artists' work areas and funding for culture among them. Several building projects will be carried out, including the new main library building, which was taken into use in 2007. Plans are being made for a new congress- and music centre, and an entity called the Culture Quarter. In the next few years, several long-term, widely influential Capital of Culture projects will be initiated, a development centre for creative activities and cultural exports among them.
The year 2011 provides an unequalled opportunity to introduce Finnish culture to the world. Turku strives to be the culture capital of all of Finland, and invites the country's top talent to join in the effort.
Photo: The City of Turku