The Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture have selected Southbank Centre in London, England, as the main host of a new joint venture for Nordic art and culture in 2017.
The Southbank Centre project was one of numerous proposals received for the Nordic cultural initiative, whose purpose is to “strengthen the interaction of the Nordic cultural sectors with the rest of the world and to raise their profile abroad.”
As announced yesterday in Reykjavik, Iceland, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture selected Southbank Centre and its Nordic cultural project due to the latter organization’s meeting the numerous criteria for such a partnership venture, including but not limited to “quality, innovation, local demand, budget…”
Danish politician and Nordic Minister for Culture Bertel Haarder stated:
“With a cultural venture of this nature and size we can put not only Danish values and culture under the microscope, but also our shared Nordic values and culture. This major project will thus be able to both inspire and be inspired beyond the borders of the Nordic Region. At the same time, we’ll have a great opportunity for cultural exchange. We might even learn something about ourselves and the links between the Nordic countries.”
And Jude Kelly, CBE, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, said:
“It’s a great honour for the UK and Southbank Centre to have been chosen for the Nordic Cultural Project in 2017. The Southbank Centre is perfectly placed to celebrate the very best of Nordic culture through our award-winning festival programme and we are delighted that this year-long partnership will enable us to present a truly authentic cultural exchange showcasing the richness and diversity of the Nordic countries, including the more ‘hidden voices’ of Greenland, Åland and the Faroe Islands.
Key to any Nordic cultural project done in conjunction with the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture is the inclusion of multiple art forms and the focus on innovation. For the Southbank program, the concept of play will thematically link the various elements of the year-long project. Kelly added:
“Inspired by the Nordic countries’ enlightened approach to culture and education, the theme of ‘play’ will be at the heart of the project, from outdoor play to literature, music, dance, performance, design and visual arts. Let the collaborations commence!”
Stay tuned for further details about the Southbank Centre Nordic Cultural Project (and start thinking about your plans to attend).
__________________
Add your comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Share this post/page.