Borderless City

European Capital of Culture 2010

Pécs and the European dimension

Ágnes SimonProject Manager

Pécs2010 Management Centre Baia Mare (Maramures)29 August 2006

The 5 Pillars

(1)A gateway to the Balkans.

(2)A diversity of cultural experience along the eastern border of Europe.

(3)A Hungarian city of partly German identity.

(4)A city that strongly advocates decentralisation.

(5)A city of cultural heritage as well as artistic innovation.

Messages for Europe

(1)Pécs 2010 intends to present the cultural experience of a borderline region, the Southern Cultural Zone, that is very different from that of Western Europe.

(2)Pécs 2010 wants to be the first European Capital of Culture that includes in its programmes the multicoloured culture of the Balkans by functioning as a Cultural Gateway to the Balkans.

(3)Pécs 2010 wishes to place a particular emphasis on the cultural legacy of East-Central European socialism.

Southern Cultural Zone

Trieste (I)

Tuzla (BiH)

Maribor (SLO)

Osijek (HR)

Novi Sad (SCG)

Timisoara (RO)

Programme Concept

§ to support events which can serve as a starting-point for long-term cultural co-operation and promote the endeavours of Pécs to become a regional cultural centre

§ to promote endeavours that are in accord with contemporary European artistic trends

§ to give priority to initiatives linking different fields of culture

§ to ensure access to a wide range of new opportunities for disadvantaged social groups

§ to encourage the involvement of children and young people in the production and consumption of art

§ to present Pécs itself and Hungarian culture in general

Preparatory years 2006-2009

Goals:

§ to establish new forms of co-operation between the cultural capital and its regional and international partners, so that by 2010 these can work together smoothly and properly

§ to develop international relations with a focus on the cultural capitals of the years 20052009, so as to continue the cultural programmes launched during the period, or to transfer them to Hungary

§ to gradually accustom the citizens to the everyday activities of the forthcoming celebrations, so attuning them to dealing with our common challenges and instilling pride as hosts

Preparatory years 4 comprehensive programmes

§ 2006: the year of cultural heritage

§ 2007: the year of education and training

§ 2008: the year of environmental culture and health care including sports

§ 2009: the year of religious culture

A Few Examples for Events

§ 100th anniversary of the National Congress of Free Education – exhibition and fair displaying the newest technology for culture and education

§ International conference for the Healthy Cities of Europe (WHO’s Healthy Cities Programme) on the theme of Planning and Running a Healthy City

§ International organ competition in church music

§ Manifesta, an outstanding international artistic event together with MediaFactory International Contemporary Artistic Festival

§ 6th Choral Olympics

§ 15th International Adult Puppet Festival of Pécs

§ National Theatre Festival of Pécs with a strong international taste

§ International dance festival organised by the Szeged Contemporary Ballet

§ The history of information technology in Europe exhibition

§ The congress of CEISAL (European Council of Latin American Studies) and the Ibero-American Week of Pécs

§ Pécs International Film Festival (First Filmmakers’ Festival)

§ Balkan World Music Festival and Balkan Music Fair

Organisational Structure of Management (1)

Pécs2010 CouncilLevel of strategic decisions

Pécs2010 Management CentreOperative level

(general–central)

Pécs Development Co.Operative level

(capital developments)

Cultural institutionsOperative level 2

(programme organisation)

International Advisory BoardConsultative level

Programme Council

Cultural programming

Council on Architecture &

City ImageConsultative level

City CouncilDepartment of Education,

Culture and SportsDepartment of City

Development

Capital Developments, Key Projects

Without a well-developed infrastructure, network of institutions, financing, etc. such a huge project cannot be realised.

Pécs plans the following 5 developments:

1.) Music and Conference Centre

2.) Zsolnay Cultural Quarter

3.) Grand Exhibition Space

4.) Regional Library and Information Centre

5.) Revival of public squares and parks