Culture builds bridges between Denmark and Cyprus

European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 opened last Saturday evening with a magnificent, magical ceremony. Now it is the turn of the Cypriot town of Pafos, which, like Aarhus and Central Denmark Region, is European Capital of Culture in 2017. Saturday, January 28 marks the opening of Pafos 2017.

The year's second European Capital of Culture will be launched in Pafos under the theme of 'Open Air Factory'. With this theme, Pafos wants to emphasise that most of its programme as European Capital of Culture will take place in the open air – in an historical and cultural framework included on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. Pafos is not only known for its particularly well-preserved mosaics, it is also regarded as the birthplace of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. And it is especially known for its unique royal tombs, one of which is said to contain the remains of the Danish King, Erik The Good.
Drawing on the 'Open Air Factory' theme, the people behind Pafos 2017 want to emphasise the town's deep cultural roots, and create a focus on greater tolerance, acceptance and understanding between cultures in the future.

"We cannot shape visions of our common future in Europe in isolation. We can only shape a more tolerant, prosperous and creative Europe for generations to come if we work together and forge cultural ties. Together with Pafos we are building a bridge from those values on which the entire European project rests: diversity, sustainability and democracy."

So says Rebecca Matthews, CEO of European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017, who can look back on a magnificent opening ceremony in the streets of Aarhus. Along with the Cultural Mayor in the Municipality of Aarhus, Rabih Azad-Ahmad, Aarhus Jazz Orchestra and St. Clemens choir, she has set off for Pafos to attend the opening of this year's second European Capital of Culture.

"This Saturday, European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 opened with huge support from the local community. Tens of thousands of people took part in the opening ceremony, in which Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II played a central role. It was amazing to feel the excitement and see how people connected. We could not have hoped for a better beginning of the year. I sincerely hope Pafos will experience the same support, and I am very much looking forward to be at the opening of Pafos 2017," adds Rabih Azad-Ahmad.

Together with the Concert Clemens Choir under the leadership of Carsten Seyer-Hansen, Aarhus Jazz Orchestra will perform a new composition – “Coming to a new World” at the official opening in Pafos. This work, composed by Lars Moller, is inspired by the history, landscapes, sounds and myths of Pafos. The text of 'To A New World' is inspired by Martin Luther King's famous 'Promised Land', whose vision of the journey to a new world can be seen in relation to the current social and humanitarian situation at the borders of Europe. In the course of the year, the two European Capitals of Culture will be connected through a series of joint projects, performances and events.

See more at www.Pafos2017.eu