Stavanger 2008

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The EU Council has decided: Stavanger has, together with Liverpool, been designated European Capital of Culture 2008. The Panel was particularly impressed with the daring program that Stavanger proposed, commenting that the artistic quality was excellent, including a remarkable contemporary program of challenging nature.

The official opening will be held December 8th, 2007.The sign on the right counts down the number days left.

Over 150 different arrangements will be held in the region in 2008. Among these are a Greek drama to put the concept of a European cultural heritage in perspective. This will involve the entire community, from the theatre and symphony orchestra to amateur choirs and bands. A cast of extras numbering in the thousands, with the inhabitants of the Stavanger region representing the populace involved in the drama is envisaged.

Stavanger2008.com is dedicated to provide you with up-to-date information about the happenings in connection with this event. Stavanger2008.com is a privately driven website. It is a subsidiary to Stavanger-Web which has been providing readers with English written information about Stavanger, Norway since 1997.

Headline News in English

The first 4 projects are on the way!
The first four projects, which were included in Stavanger application to be European capital of culture 2008, have gone in to an operational phase. The projects are:

  • Neighborhood Secrets: an international contemporary project where the public is invited to affect the art. Eight international artists will engage in artistic processes tied to local buildings and places. The Norwegian Cultural Fund has already granted NOK 800.000 to the project.
  • Youth and Migration: The goal of this project is to enlighten our youth on why people migrate.
  • The Arts of Hospitality: Different aspects of hospitality will be enlightened through literature and politics.
  • Norwegian Wood: A project to develop a Norwegian wooden house development with urban and modern wooden architecture. Stavanger-Web July 6, 2005

Aftenblad journalists disappointed.
According to NRK Rogaland, the journalists at the main Stavanger newspaper, Stavanger Aftenblad, are very disappointed. The newspaper will continue to cut it's staff while announcing that it will support the Stavanger 2008 project with NOK 12 million. Stavanger-Web May 20, 2005

Two new directors

Two new directors for Stavanger2008 have been appointed. In addition to Mary Miller, who was appointed in October last year, Marianne Melfald and Cornelius Middelthon have been awarded positions within the organization. Meldfald, a journalist who has experience from TV3 and Viasat, was awarded the opening as Director of communications. Middelthon will be Director of operations. He has previously worked for Radisson SAS.
Stavanger-Web
January 6, 2005
(Photo source: Digi.no)

Miller on the move
The European Capital of Culture in 2008 is, as you surely know, Stavanger in Norway. Newly named as director of the program is Scots-born Mary Miller, who has had an international career since she was the music critic of a certain Edinburgh-based newspaper.
November 15 2004 The Herald

Mary Miller was assigned director of Stavanger2008 in October, 2004. Miller, who is originally from Scotland, has been the director of the annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, Connecticut. Miller was also in charge of the English National Opera's section "The Studio" which is a laboratory for developing opera and musical theater, from 1998-2001.Stavanger 2008 graphic profile chosen.
Stavanger-Web
November 5, 2004
(Photo source: Art & Ideas, New Haven)

According to NRK Rogaland (Oct 19), the decision on who will become director of Stavanger2008 will be decided within a few days. Possible candidates are:

  • Håkon Berge, well known for his work in connection with the concert house and the application for Stavanger 2008,
  • Geir Johnson, leader of Norway's largest festival for contemporary music,
  • Bentein Baardsen, who led the opening ceremony of the Norwegian Lillehamar Olympics and
  • Stein Slyngstad.

Non-EU Capital of Culture 2008 visits Liverpool
The Mayor of Stavanger is leading a top-level delegation to Liverpool this week to learn more about the city’s plans for European Capital of Culture in 2008. Mayor Leif Johan Sevland will be joined by Deputy Mayor, Bjørg Tysdal Moe, and seven city council members from the non-EU Capital of Culture for a two day visit to Liverpool on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 June.
June 2004 Liverpoolculture

Will Norway join us in a cultural capital marriage?
The first steps of what could prove an uneasy Capital of Culture marriage will be taken in Liverpool today.
June 15 2004
icLiverpool

Norway's plea for a share of culture
But it was not the sort of story the people of Stavanger wanted visitors to see.
June 14 2004
icLiverpool

The Stavanger Region European Capital of Culture 2008
The Council of the European Union have decided that both Norway by the Stavanger region, and GB by Liverpool will be European Capitals of Culture in 2008.
June 14 2004
Stavanger2008

Stavanger chosen European Cultural Capital 2008
EU's ministers of culture have named Stavanger as "Cultural Capital 2008", together with Liverpool, Great Britain. Stavanger is situated in the southwest extremity of Norway.
May 29 2004 The Norway Post

European Capitals of Culture endorsed
European Culture ministers on Thursday (27 May) formally agreed to name Liverpool in the UK and the Norwegian town Stavanger, European Capitals of Culture in 2008.
May 28 2004 EU Observer

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