Umeå aims to be the European Capital of Culture 2014. The objective of this venture is to step by step, year by year, strengthen and develop Umeå's cultural profile. In a decision made by the Municipal Council in May 2005 it was resolved that Umeå would submit an application as a candidate for the European Capital of Culture 2014. You will be able to follow this exciting journey all the way to 2014 on this web site.
Here you will be able to discuss and leave suggestions about how you would like Umeå to develop. This web site will also contain suggestions about events and happenings, articles and other new. In short: Everything about Umeå's candidacy and the journey toward the goal of becoming the European Capital of Cultural 2014.
Why Should Umeå Become the European Capital of Culture?
There are many reasons. Here are just a few:
- A strong cultural profile attracts cultural workers and key employees to the business community, the public sector, and the universities; and it enhances the quality of life for all of Umeå's inhabitants.
- An active cultural life makes children, young people, the elderly, and all ethnic groups visible and creates a community that is characterized by diversity, tolerance and broad-mindedness.
- Culture is conducive to the development of revitalization and expansion.
We Work Together to Form a European Capital of Culture
Work with making Umeå the European Capital of Culture 2014 demands broad approval and great commitment from the community's inhabitants, cultural workers, public institutions, the business community, and partners. The initial period deals with conveying the idea and the vision to Umeå's inhabitants and partners, as well as the rest of Sweden and the world.