Vilnius unveils 2009 cultural programme [fr] [de]

Background

The title of European Capital of Culture was created by the EU in 1985. Capitals are chosen by an international panel of thirteen members, six of whom are appointed by the country concerned and seven by the EU institutions. While the final decision rests with the Council, their endorsement of the panel's decision is considered a formality. 

Candidates must fulfil three main criteria: integrating a true European dimension, reinforcing cooperation among EU countries with the support of the public and highlighting the role of the city in the formation and development of culture in Europe. 

The upcoming capitals of culture are: 

• 2009: Linz (Austria) and Vilnius (Lithuania) 
• 2010: Essen (Germany), Istanbul (Turkey) and Pécs (Hungary) 
• 2011: Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) 
• 2012: Guimaraes (Portugal) and Maribor (Slovenia) 
• 2013 Marseille (France) and Košice (Slovakia) 

For the years to follow, the countries have been finalised, but it has not yet been decided which cities will compete: 

• 2014: Sweden and Latvia 
• 2015: Belgium and Czech Republic 
• 2016: Spain and Poland 
• 2017: Denmark and Cyprus 
• 2018: Netherlands and Malta 
• 2019: Italy and Bulgaria 

More on this topic

The Lithuanian capital of 555,000 inhabitants, which shares the title of European Capital of Culture with Austrian city Linz in 2009, is the first Baltic city to be awarded the accolade. 

"Vilnius is the most important city for Lithuanians. I believe that next year, when Lithuania will celebrate the millennium anniversary of its name in written form and five years of membership of the European Union, Vilnius […] will become an important city for the whole of Europe," said Lithuanian Ambassador to the EU Rytis Martikonis. 

But Martikonis warned of the need to "create and cultivate culture, not just talk about it". Officials hope that around three million people will take part in some 900 events in and around the city over the course of the year, including exhibitions by Lithuanian and international artists. The organisers estimate that the year will cost around €85m to host. 

"In 2009 we are aiming to enthral visitors with a great many events that are being prepared together with the world’s most famous artists," said Elona Bajorinienė, project director of the team behind the cultural year. 

Programme highlights include a lights festival, an 'Art in Unexpected Places' initiative, concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra led by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, an opera festival and exhibitions by Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani. 

The city will also host the Central European leg of the popular Creamfields dance music festival, while there are plans to hold a rock festival near the Belarusian border. 

"The year 2009 is the best opportunity to see the unique capital of a new EU member state, situated at the centre of the continent at the crossroads of many cultures, languages, religions and architectural styles," said Lithuanian Socialist MEP Justas Paleckis. 

This year's EU cultural capitals were Liverpool (UK) and Stavanger (Norway), while the French port of Marseille (EurActiv 17/09/08) and Slovakian city Košice (EurActiv 11/09/08) were chosen as EU cultural capitals for 2013 in September. 

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