No matter how long you have been in Tartu, you must have seen yellow and pink signs with “Tartu 2024” or “European capital of culture” all over the city and beyond, along with the huge #Tartu2024 sign on the main square. Today, let’s talk about what they mean in the first place, how international students might benefit from it, and what to expect from beloved Tartu this year.
Before we start talking about Tartu as the European Capital of Culture, it is worth starting with the definition itself. The European Capital of Culture is a project created in 1985 by Melina Mercouri, who at that time was the Minister of Culture in Greece and believed that cultural development was not given as much dedication as economic and political development. Since then, the European Union has chosen two or three cities each year to become the centre of cultural life on the continent, intending to draw attention to its cultural development. In obtaining European Capital of Culture status, a city can significantly increase its social and economic benefits, especially if activities are integrated into the overall development of regional strategy. Usually, the additional funding in connection with the fulfilment of the Capital of Culture functions enables the city to renovate its cultural institutions to a large extent. Together with Tartu, Bad Ischl in Austria and Budø in Norway are considered to be such capitals in 2024 as well.
The overall concept of Tartu 2024 is called Arts of Survival, under which the four main directions of all events have come together. Tartu with Earth direction’s events focus on sustainable development and urban biodiversity. Tartu with Humanity works with events about social interaction, proximity and mutual understanding. Tartu with Europe is dedicated to both the representation of Tartu as a part of Europe and the transmission of European cultural values. And finally, Tartu with Universe endeavors to depict the role and place of culture in a rapidly changing technological world. Here you can read more about the directions and events. In addition to this, you can also check out the upcoming programme. Here you filter the events by type, language, venue, and the age at which the events are mainly aimed. In addition, you can also check whether the event is suitable for people with certain health conditions, as well as visitors with children or animals.
A rich cultural programme in which everyone will be able to find something interesting for themselves is expected. It also means that a lot of work has been done and still needs to be done to execute everything planned. For this purpose, Tartu2024 has also launched Volunteers and International Volunteers programmes, of which I am a part. My role as an Intern and Volunteer is to coordinate the interaction of International Volunteers, who will come here to learn about Estonian culture and help organise the Youth Party.
For me, participating here is valuable for several reasons. Firstly, it is an excellent opportunity to gain practical work experience in marketing, communications and education. In addition, it is also a chance to get to know the European market and Estonian culture better and be directly involved in the region’s life at such an important time. Dedication to directions, sustainability, accessibility and eco-friendly lifestyle can be observed not only in the big events themselves but in the details. The information provided for people with special needs, the possibility of sorting events by languages beyond Estonian and English, and the use of eco-friendly materials at the events speak to me of a thoughtful approach to presenting their ideas and beliefs.
I also decided to speak to Angela Ader, an education project coordinator with whom I work.
- Who was responsible for creating the concept of the cultural programme?
“Preparations for 2024 started six years ago when we applied for the title. To get European Capital of Culture title, the city and its cultural people have to put together a vision (bid book) for the international jury. The bidding team came up with an artistic concept Arts of Survival. It emerged from Tartu and South Estonia’s challenges – limited accessibility, declining population, declining environmental biodiversity, and distance from Europe. Arts of Survival are the knowledge, skills, and values that will help us lead a good life in the future. These are the knowledge, skills, and values we endorse, cherish, share with and learn from Europe. The four most important Arts of Survival featured in the Tartu 2024 programme are uniqueness, sustainability, awareness, and co-creation.”
“After we won the title, the Artistic Director, Kati Torp, the programming team and Creative Council developed the concept forward. We have made sure that everybody can give their input to the programme – therefore, many of our programme ideas have come through Open Calls. Arts of Survival vision book has been written, and you can easily get a good overview of what our artistic concept is about.”
- What events would you advise international students to attend?
“The Opening ceremony on the 26th of January is full of events, starting with a children’s disco in the morning and ending with an afterparty at the Estonian National Museum. The culmination of the opening is the spectacular performance “All Becomes one!”, which begins at 7 PM. This one-of-a-kind production is played only once at the opening. You will see beloved artists, unexpected ensembles, surprises and a performance on the river.”
“The Kissing Tartu concert show on the 18th of May brings together different artists from Estonia and abroad to Tartu to perform various hits from Eurovision throughout the years. Suudlev Tartu is an initiative of human care and respect, which consists of a concert performance and an unprecedented joint kiss.”
“Hybrid European Democracy Festival is a discussion festival that seeks to connect people from all over Europe. For two days in May 2024, this festival will join people from over 20 festival hubs in European cities for discussions.”
- How do you think Tartu and Estonia will change after such events?
“The experience of organising an event or a line of activities in the European Capital of Culture programme is bound to make the cultural operators in Tartu, the region and among our external partners more professional, self-assured and ready for international cooperation. We believe that people will travel and find South Estonia a great destination where you can find intriguing events and easily enjoy silence and rest.”
- Which event(s) do you personally expect the most?
“In the near future – I think the Opening Ceremony is going to be very interesting. First, doing a show outside with real musicians is quite a challenge. Also, I think the performers are really interesting, for example, Sigma is going to do an album release concert on the 26th of January in Tartu. Speaking of other events, I am really waiting for the Surrealism 100 exhibition and Open House Tartu excursions.”
“As you may already have got, it is going to be huge here. Many public lectures, concerts, exhibitions, festivals and shows are expected, so if you plan to be here anytime soon, then it’s really worth taking the chance to attend the upcoming events.”
