Aarhus 2017 in partnership with San Sebastián 2016

During Aarhus 2017’s visit to the Basque city of San Sebastián the two parties signed a partnership agreement meaning they will collaborate on projects about gastronomy, music and film.

Donostia/San Sebastián is European Capital of Culture in 2016. Therefore, a delegation from Aarhus consisting of, among others, Alderman for Culture Rabih Ali Azad-Ahmad and Managing Director of Aarhus 2017 Rebecca Matthews is visiting the city in Northern Spain from 25.-27. November. Tuesday evening, the delegation met with Juan Karlos Izagirre, who is Mayor of San Sebastián and Chairman of the Board of Donostia/San Sebastián 2016.

CEO of Donostia/San Sebastián 2016 Pablo Berástegui and Internationalization Manager Eneko Garate were also present at the beautiful City Hall, which is an old casino with a spectacular view over the La Concha Bay.

Also read: Aarhus 2017 visits San Sebastián.

At the meeting, the two European Capitals of Culture signed a partnership agreement, committing to collaborating on projects about gastronomy, music and film.

The collaboration between the European Capitals ensures and strengthens the international dimension of the projects. It also ensures that the two cities have a strong partner before, during and after their year as European Capitals of Culture.

Exchanging gifts and experiences
Prior to the negotiations gifts were exchanged. Aarhus 2017 presented books on Aarhus and on Danish Design to their hosts and received a book on San Sebastián and a model of a traditional Basque rowing boat.

Wednesday 26. November a work meeting was arranged with the Secretariat of Donostia/San Sebastián 2016. The meeting took place at a closed fire station, which is the official office of the Secretariat. Here, CEO Pablo Berástegui, Internationalization Manager Eneko Garate and Cultural Director Xabier Paya Ruiz exchanged ideas and experiences with the Aarhus 2017 Board. 

Participants from the Board of the Aarhus 2017 Foundation were:
• Rabih Ali Azad-Ahmad, Alderman for Culture and Citizen's Service in the municipality of Aarhus
• Anders Nørgaard, Chairman of the culture and leisure committee of the municipality of Favrskov
• Kristian Dyhr, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the municipality of Horsens
• Rikke Dalbøl Øxner, former Head of Music, Roskilde Festival
• Jonas Hjul Hallberg, Owner of ”Ikke en Pind ApS”