Stavanger is this year’s European Capital of Culture. The Norwegian oil city kicks off the cultural festival in an opening ceremony with local and international artists alike on 12 January.
17/01/2008 :: The project is initiated by the Council of the European Union. The overall goal is to bring the European citizens closer together in an attempt to promote greater mutual acquaintance among the Europeans. The idea is to strengthen the European identity through cultural sharing.
Sincerity and tolerance
The festival goes under the name “Open Port”, which is about “challenging the region and its people to be even more open and inclusive towards each other, art, ideas and opportunities”, states the programme.
”Swords in Rock” – a monument at Harfsfjord. Photo: S. Sigbjørnsen/ SrN/RS/SVG2008.
Creative festival
"In 2008 Stavanger will present the most daring, adventurous, creative and exciting cultural project Norway can offer, both to ourselves and to a wider European audience. We will develop our region into a Free Port for cultural exchanges between Norway and Europe," says Leif Johan Sevland, Mayor of the City of Stavanger.
Wooden houses in Stavanger. Photo: S. Sigbjørnsen/ SrN/RS/SVG2008.
Awarded architecture
Stavanger is northern Europe’s largest wooden built city. The area of the city known as ‘Old Stavanger’ has been awarded the prize cultural heritage, Europa Nostra Awards, several times.
Diverse programme
The cultural program in Stavanger includes architecture, film, music, literature, arts and many other activities.
Vågen in Stavanger. Photo: S. Sigbjørnsen/ SrN/RS/SVG2008.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs