It is of great importance for the realisation of a common "European Cultural One", as well as for cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. As artists and curators, we need to travel across borders to expand our horizons, connect with new audiences, and discover fresh sources of inspiration to develop our work. It is also important that we exchange experiences and learn from each other. Engaging with diverse cultures is enriching both personally and professionally, as it fosters creativity and innovation in our artistic practices.

Det är av stor betydelse för förverkligandet av en gemensam ”europeisk kultur”, liksom för kulturell mångfald och interkulturell dialog. Som konstnärer och kuratorer behöver vi resa över gränserna för att vidga våra vyer, nå ut till nya publikgrupper och upptäcka nya inspirationskällor för att utveckla vårt arbete. Det är också viktigt att vi utbyter erfarenheter och lär av varandra. Att engagera sig i olika kulturer är berikande både personligt och professionellt, eftersom det främjar kreativitet och innovation i vår konstnärliga verksamhet.

Il est d'une importance majeure pour aider à faire d'« Un culturel européen » commun une réalité et pour favoriser la diversité culturelle et le dialogue interculturel. En tant qu'artistes et curators, nous devons voyager au-delà des frontières pour élargir nos horizons, entrer en contact avec de nouveaux publics et découvrir de nouvelles sources d'inspiration pour développer notre travail. Il est également important que nous échangions nos expériences et apprenions les uns des autres. Le contact avec des cultures diverses est enrichissant tant sur le plan personnel que professionnel, car il favorise la créativité et l'innovation dans nos pratiques artistiques.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Lyza Sahertian

Ambassador For European Capital of Culture

Umeå 2014

European Capital of Cuture

Umeå the city of birches

Umeå was established in the early 1620s, alongside many other Swedish cities such as Göteborg, Sundsvall and Piteå. King Gustav II Adolf intended to strengthen control over trade and increase tax revenue by compelling merchants to migrate to the new towns. Umeå was built on the site of the Sanda farm as a compromise between the areas of Ön and Backen.

In 1714 and 1720, the city was devastated by marauding Russian forces. In 1809, a Russian army captured Umeå with little resistance, but withdrew after a few days due to pending peace negotiations. In June 1888, a catastrophic fire started in the brewery near Renmarksbäcken, obliterating the eastern part of the city, including the Teg shipyards and residences on the island. Approximately 2,300 of the city’s 3,000 residents were left homeless.

Following the fire, the city was rebuilt with wide streets to serve as firebreaks and silver birch trees were planted along them to prevent the spread of fires from building to building, earning Umeå the nickname the 'City of Birches'. In 1951, Umeå received the fifth copy of almost every publication in Sweden, enabling it to establish a notable academic library. A dental school opened in 1956, paving the way for the development of the university. Umeå’s Graduate School for Social Work was founded in 1962, the same year that the airport was inaugurated. Umeå University officially opened on 17 September 1965. In 1992, Umeå surpassed Sundsvall to become the municipality with the highest population in Norrland.

After several years of record increases, Umeå's population exceeded 117,000 by 2012. It currently holds the distinction of being the most densely populated town in northern Sweden. Home to 33,000 university students, the city remains youthful and vibrant, offering numerous activities associated with city life, such as shopping, dining in restaurants and pubs, and enjoying a picnic in the city park. The Umeå region comprises the city and five surrounding municipalities. Together, they present a unique area where nature, outdoor activities, culture, history and urban life blend seamlessly.

Throughout the year, the Umeå region showcases a variety of attractions. In summer, visitors are drawn to the sea for beach activities and boat excursions, and many beautiful golf courses can be found in picturesque settings. Games can extend deep into the bright summer nights and whitewater rafting adventures are available along the Vindelälven, one of Sweden's national rivers. Canoeing is an excellent way to explore the islands and rivers. The waters are teeming with salmon, trout, grayling and perch, making them a paradise for anglers. The forests can be explored on horseback or along any of our stunning walking paths.

Capital European of Culture

THE OPENING WEEKEND

BURNING SNOW

Poetry Reading By Lyza Sahertian

in French and Japanese

Together in Harmony - Paris France

Zussamen in Der Vielfalt - Berlin Germany

Umeå 2014 Foire Internationale de la photo - Bièvres France