Leeuwarden 2018 European Capital of Culture: 11Fountains and More
In 2018, Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland in the Netherlands, holds the title of European Capital of Culture, focusing on five key themes: Experience, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Ecology, and Europe. Lieven Bertels, the artistic director, highlights the importance of nature, culture, community, and diversity. More than forty initiatives aim to address local challenges, including a 17% school dropout rate and unemployment. The countdown kicks off with an exhibition at the Fries Museum featuring Alma Tadema, available until February 2017, followed by showcases on Mata Hari and Escher. Notable upcoming events include the Oranjewoudfestival on June 1, 2017, Welcome to the Village from July 21-23, 2017, and the Oerol Festival from June 9-18, 2017. The 11Fountains project will engage eleven cities and artists, with funding surpassing 5 million euros.
Key facts
- Leeuwarden is European Capital of Culture 2018.
- Program based on five E's: Experience, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Ecology, Europe.
- Artistic director is Lieven Bertels.
- Over forty projects in development.
- 17% of students drop out of school in the region.
- Fries Museum exhibition on Alma Tadema runs until February 2017.
- 11Fountains project involves 11 cities and 11 international artists.
- Budget for 11Fountains is over 5 million euros.
Entities
Artists
- Alma Tadema
- Mata Hari
- Escher
- Jaume Plensa
- Jorge Orta
- Lucy Orta
- Jennifer Allora
- Guillermo Calzadilla
- Cornelia Parker
- Mark Dion
- Shen Yuan
- Stephan Balkenhol
- Shinji Ohmaki
- Johan Creten
- Jean-Michel Othoniel
- Birthe Leemeijer
- Arianna Testino
Institutions
- Fries Museum
- Artribune
- Leeuwarden European Capital of Culture
- Oranjewoudfestival
- Welcome to the Village
- Oerol Festival
Locations
- Leeuwarden
- Friesland
- Netherlands
- Sloten
- Harlingen
- Workum
- Stavoren
- Hindeloopen
- Sneek
- IJlst
- Bolsward
- Franeker
- Dokkum
- Terschelling
- Genoa
- Bologna
- Venice