Minister Wallin to participate in the Capital of Culture opening ceremony in Turku
Ministry of Education and Culture
Publication date
13.1.2011
13.15
Press release
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Turku and Tallinn are this year?s European Capitals of Culture. Since 1985, the European Union?s culture ministers have designated one or several cities as the Capital of Culture. The opening ceremony will be celebrated in Turku on Saturday 15 January.
European Capitals of Culture are one of the European Union?s most high-profile cultural projects. The aim is to highlight the cultural diversity within Europe and to boost awareness of European cultures.
The European Capital of Culture 2011 project is a major cultural investment for Finland, and it also highlights the Finnish partnership ethos. The State, municipal sector, business community and cultural actors are participating in the project?s implementation.
?In Finland, the development of appropriations for cultural, sport and youth policy has been good in recent years,? states Minister Stefan Wallin. Total state financing for the Turku 2011 project is around EUR 18 million, which is being funded almost entirely from the budget of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The practical implementation of the project is the responsibility of the Turku 2011 Foundation.
?The importance of culture in our society is increasing. The economic impact of culture and its importance for the nation?s well-being has been recognised. Culture is not simply an item of expenditure, but a sustainable driver of the economy and well-being,? says Wallin.
?I believe that the Capital of Culture year will have a permanent impact on Turku and Finland,? continues Minister Wallin.
While in Turku, Minister Wallin will also participate in the opening of the Only a Game exhibition produced by UEFA, the European football association, on Friday together with UEFA president Michel Platini.
For more information, please contact:
- Anne Mattero, Special Government Advisor, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 9 160 77247
- Harri Syväsalmi, Director, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 40 557 7725
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The first European Capital of Culture was Athens in 1985. Since then, over 40 cities across Europe have held the title. Helsinki was one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2000.
Finland?s candidate for the 2011 Capital of Culture was chosen through a national competition in 2006. The EU?s Council of Ministers designated Turku and Tallinn as the European Capitals of Culture for 2011 on the recommendation of the Commission in November 2007.
The European Capital of Culture 2011 project is a major cultural investment for Finland, and it also highlights the Finnish partnership ethos. The State, municipal sector, business community and cultural actors are participating in the project?s implementation.
?In Finland, the development of appropriations for cultural, sport and youth policy has been good in recent years,? states Minister Stefan Wallin. Total state financing for the Turku 2011 project is around EUR 18 million, which is being funded almost entirely from the budget of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The practical implementation of the project is the responsibility of the Turku 2011 Foundation.
?The importance of culture in our society is increasing. The economic impact of culture and its importance for the nation?s well-being has been recognised. Culture is not simply an item of expenditure, but a sustainable driver of the economy and well-being,? says Wallin.
?I believe that the Capital of Culture year will have a permanent impact on Turku and Finland,? continues Minister Wallin.
While in Turku, Minister Wallin will also participate in the opening of the Only a Game exhibition produced by UEFA, the European football association, on Friday together with UEFA president Michel Platini.
For more information, please contact:
- Anne Mattero, Special Government Advisor, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 9 160 77247
- Harri Syväsalmi, Director, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 40 557 7725
******
The first European Capital of Culture was Athens in 1985. Since then, over 40 cities across Europe have held the title. Helsinki was one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2000.
Finland?s candidate for the 2011 Capital of Culture was chosen through a national competition in 2006. The EU?s Council of Ministers designated Turku and Tallinn as the European Capitals of Culture for 2011 on the recommendation of the Commission in November 2007.