The candidacy to be European Capital of Culture in 2017 is not only aimed at Aarhus, but at the Region Midtjylland and the municipalities as well - which will ensure a close and strong regional collaboration, but also with a national and an international cooperation. An organization - The Secretariat for Aarhus 2017 - has been set up to handle and represent the project until 2012, where it will be decided if Aarhus is granted the title of European Capital of Culture in 2017.
Until 2012 the secretariat is responsible for the preparation of the final application to the European Union - the preparation consists, among others, of the mapping of the city's cultural strengths and weaknesses, putting the findings of theses analyses into visions with the aid of seminars involving relevant external players and participants. This comprehensive work will result in a formulation of specific projects and ideas that will serve to the preparation of the application showing that Aarhus is ready and competent to be European Capital of Culture in 2017.
The overall theme for 2017 is Rethink. The City Council of Aarhus approved the theme in April 2011, following a series of vision seminars.
The vision for 2017
The visions for 2017 are numerous since the stakeholders and partners have different perspectives of what the project should lead to. During the fall of 2010 a series of vision seminars was held which should lead to the formulating of a set of visions that will form the basis of strategies and concrete and specific project proposals finally leading to the final program proposal.
The municipality of Aarhus has already integrated the project into its cultural politics – and the vision is based on the following:
- Aarhus should be known both nationally and internationally as a strong city of culture having the title of European Capital of Culture in 2017.
- Aarhus will continuously surprise and dare with unique cultural experiences
- Aarhus comprehends a rich, creative and experimenting cultural life that dares to be a frontrunner
- The culture gives Aarhus nerve through cultural diversity, global vision and local insight by using new technology and developing the creative environment and talent development.
The visions for 2017 do not only concern Aarhus but the region as well – where the region is going to play an important part in the execution of the project.