Ruhr.2010
The Ruhr is on the move. Fundamental processes are in action, both culturally and economically, and these are taking place in the Ruhr – a monumental structural transformation, dealing creatively with shrinking cities, cultural changes brought about by immigration and the adaptation of the urban offering for the growing number of senior citizens. These fundamental challenges could prove to be the birthplace for models to be used throughout Europe.
The program for the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010 has accepted the challenge of playing an influential role well beyond 2010. The Artistic Directors of RUHR.2010 are developing a program architecture for this purpose that is asking the questions for the future of the Metropolis Ruhr: One issue is the diversity and the authenticity of culture in the Ruhr. Another includes cultural beacons, highlights with the power to illuminate on an international scale. These will make the European Capital of Culture 2010 clearly visible for visitors and the audience. The overall concept of the European Capital of Culture 2010 includes four major themes:
1. Metropolis Ruhr is confronting us with urban challenges. The city is incomplete – multicentric and open-minded to new forms of urban existence. RUHR.2010 is utilizing this opportunity to contribute to the unique regional cityscape of Ruhr in the future.
2. Arts and artists are the driving forces behind the changes taking place in the region – RUHR.2010 communicates a limitless aesthetic experience and creates a creative setting, in which each person can unfold his or her individual potential.
3. RUHR.2010 is the first European Capital of Culture that is integrating the topic of Creative Industries into its overall concept. Art, culture, creativity and fresh ideas are the driving forces for the technological and economic processes of innovation. RUHR.2010 wants to play a role as a creative-economic model for Europe.
4. RUHR.2010 is addressing the topic of “immigration” as one of the most challenging issues for the future of the European city. RUHR.2010 is looking for traces of migratory cultures and their creative energies.