Turku kicks off year of culture
For all of 2011, Turku enjoys the status of European Capital of Culture, ushering in a schedule of hundreds of unique events that engage audiences and encourage interaction. In Finnish the theme for the year is Turku palaa, which can mean either "Turku is burning" or "Turku returns."
It's not often you can perform this type of play on words in Finnish; one pronunciation very rarely has two different meanings. Turku palaa refers to the city's history as one of Finland's oldest and most culturally significant cities, which is now bubbling with new ideas and vitality. The slogan also alludes to the fact that the city of Turku has burned down more than 30 times over the centuries, and that it has a strong tradition of rebuilding itself.
The gently flowing River Aura bisects Turku. The city was established along its lush banks and natural harbours.
Turku also launches its year as Capital of Culture from the river. The gala opening ceremony on January 15, 2011 lights the river on fire at dusk as circus artists soar and the whistles of the riverboats play a grand River Aura symphony.
Wrestling accordions and more
Celebrations continue all year. One of the highlights is Battle 2011, staged in August. This unprecedented spectacle combines wrestling with the accordion music of Kimmo Pohjonen, famous for pushing the limits. It unites the drama of martial arts with daring visual and sonic art.
A central park for cultural fitness on the banks of the River Aura includes cultural points where anyone can enjoy music, literature and even functional works of art designed for stretching and relaxation. The park hosts a variety of events – canoes are even supplied for easy navigation.
Like any city, Turku has buildings that the public generally considers eyesores. Now some of these are receiving facelifts in the form of ceramic additions attached to them by sculptors.
The complete Capital of Culture programme includes hundreds of big and small events, exhibitions and phenomena, all conjured up as part of an open, shared effort involving artists and city residents, from kids to seniors.
Turku understands culture in its broadest sense. So, along with major events and milestones, the celebratory year forms part of everyday life in schools, workplaces, residential neighbourhoods, restaurants and the streets. The merriment takes place on land, at sea and in the air.
Turku in cyberspace
A central part of Turku's cultural capital year is the communications channel and participatory global online community built around the Turku 2011 website. The idea is serve those interested in cultural life by offering a wealth of background info, comments and bonus material related to each cultural event. For instance, if you're heading to a concert you can watch what's going on backstage ahead of time and share your opinions of the show later.
The operational budget for Turku's Capital of Culture venture is more than 50 million euros, spread out from 2008 to 2016. One-third of the financing comes from the city and the surrounding region, one-third from the Finnish government and the rest from other sources, including corporate partnerships and ticket sales.
Photo gallery "The start of a year-long celebration" at thisisFINLAND
Further information:
Top 11 for Turku 2011
Turku - European Capital of Culture 2011