Attractive cultural life across the entire region

Europæisk Kulturhovedstad 2017

Culture contributes to unite the region. A strong and ambitious cultural life makes the region attractive, interesting and robust. The appointment of Aarhus as European Capital of Culture in 2017 also put culture on the agenda in the rural districts of the region.

The European Capital of Culture in 2017 has raised the bar and created momentum for Central Denmark Region to be a cultural pioneer. The collaboration across the 19 municipalities in Central Denmark Region on culture is continued within the framework of European Culture Region.

Culture can also contribute to reduce social inequality and activate local communities. Being a strong culture region is a branding of Central Denmark Region, which makes it easier to attract international attention and pave the way for regional culture stakeholders to take part in European partnerships and network.

The Central Denmark Region effort in the field of culture must contribute to make it an attractive and sustainable region for everybody to strengthening the communities and give citizens the possibilities to live a good life.

Every year, funds for cultural initiatives are allocated and cultural efforts must create and facilitate strategic partnerships as well as have an experimental approach to strengthen the culture and its role in a regional development perspective.

Through the strengthening of cultural stakeholders and institutions, we will develop the collaboration on culture across the region. We will promote access to artistic and cultural experiences for all citizens in Central Denmark Region as well as make it possible for citizens to engage in cultural life and society.

Projects and partnerships

To fulfil our ambitions, we know the importance of strong partnerships, and we wish to engage in more partnerships to find new solutions to emerging challenges.

Please find below examples of some of the culture projects and partnerships where Central Denmark Region is involved.

European Region of Culture is a collaboration between Central Denmark Region and the 19 municipalities in the region in continuation of European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017. The project focuses on ensuring cultural development in the region through solid and close collaborations across municipal boundaries, institutions and stakeholders within the area of culture. European Region of Culture also offers a communication platform that promotes cultural activities all across the region.

Our ambition is to be a strong region of culture with an international impact and a thriving cultural life for the benefit of both citizens and visitors.

European Region of Culture is co-financed by Central Denmark Region and the 19 municipalities.

Shortcut to Europe is a collaboration between the European Culture Region, Central Denmark Region and the Central Denmark EU Office.

Shortcut to Europe develops competencies with cultural players within the European cooperation by offering advice on the development of projects and networks. In addition, the initiative facilitates visibility for cultural players from Central Denmark Region and its 19 municipalities in Europe.

The Central Denmark EU Office is the coordinator of Shortcut to Europe, and the initiative is funded by Central Denmark Region.

Since 2014, Shortcut to Europe has given advice on approximately 150 projects and aided 24 projects with applications to European and Nordic funds.

Currently, there is specific focus on the relation between culture and health in Denmark. A new health offer "culture on prescription" is being tested in a number of Danish municipalities - several of them located in Central Denmark Region.

There are numerous good examples of how interaction with art and culture can have a major positive impact on people in difficult life situations, as well as people with stress, dementia and chronic pain; moreover, culture can also be used in emergency and hospital care.

The ambition of Central Denmark Region is to contribute to create sustainable culture offers based on evidence to promote health in the entire region - and outside. We believe this can create a sense of coherence in our welfare offers and increase joy of life.

To promote the use of music and sound in healthcare, a network has been established with representatives from universities, the Academy of Music, regional and municipal authories as well as a representatives from business and business develeopment. We aim to further develop and increase the use of music and sound for the benefit of citizens in the healthcare og elderly care systems.