Aarhus Festuge

Aarhus Festuge (Aarhus Festival) is a 10-day arts and culture festival in the city of Aarhus, Denmark. It takes place every year in late August to early September (in weeks 35–36).

Aarhus Festuge
Aarhus Festuge logo
GenreCulture and arts
Location(s)Aarhus, Denmark Denmark
Founded1965
WebsiteAarhus Festuge
Media related to Aarhus Festuge at Wikimedia Commons

The first Aarhus Festival happened in 1965, after being established the year before as an experiment to bring together and activate the city's institutions and associations. The overarching purpose was to present Aarhus’ cultural profile, based on the political idea that art, culture and community are essential for a flourishing city. It was considered a great success, and the festival have been an annual tradition ever since.

From 1965, Aarhus Festuge has evolved to become more than just a local event. Nowadays, it has a more international focus, and over the years, artists from all across the world have been part of the festivities.

Description

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With local and international artists, and events for both children, young people, and adults, Aarhus Festival has grown to encompass around 1000 events in 10 days. That makes it one of the largest cultural events in Northern Europe.[citation needed] The happenings spans a broad range of cultural genres, such as music, theatre, architecture, food, art installations, talks, and dancing, as well as general entertainment.

About one third of the events are planned and arranged by the Festival's head office, while the remaining two thirds are organised by private or external actors in the city. Thereby, Aarhus Festival creates a platform for creativity, development and cooperation between the city's cultural actors, businesses, restaurants, venues, and associations.

History

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Aarhus Festuge was established in 1964, debuted in September 1965, and has since then become one of the largest themed festivals in Northern Europe.

In 2014, Aarhus Festival took place from 29 August to 7 September. It was the festivals' 50th anniversary, and was marked with the theme ‘Same but different’.[1]

Themes

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Aarhus Festival always revolves around an overall theme, which is now used for three-year periods. The theme serves as a guideline and an inspiration for the events, and is visible in many aspects of the festival. The annual poster, which is created by a different artist each year, is the visual representation of the theme. For 2023–2025, the theme is ‘Mind the Gap’.

Aarhus Festuge poster 1965, the first festival arrangement.
previous themes[2]
YearTheme in DanishTheme translated into English
2020-2022In It Together-
2017-2019Bridging-
2016Upside Down-
2015Lys mere lysLight, more light
2014Same but different-
2013Tegn på liv – i en ny virkelighedSigns of life - in a new reality
2012Big-
2011Skønne Fejl... Og Andre LykketræfLovely Mistakes ... And other strokes of luck
2010NaboerNeighbors
2009Fremtiden er nær!The future is near!
2008Åben byOpen city
2007I bevægelseIn motion
2006WOMANIA-
2005Mit livs eventyrFairy tale of my life
2004Fra Aros med ErosFrom Aros with Eros
2003Images of Asia – Asiatiske forbindelserImages of Asia – Asian connections
2002Lusofonia: Kultur fra den portugisisktalende verdenLusofonia: Culture from the Portuguese speaking world
2001Global-LokalGlobal-Local
2000--
199910 år efter Murens faldTen years after fall of the wall
1998Danske visionerDanish Visions
1997LatinamerikaLatin America
1996Prolog til fremtidenPrologue to the future
1995I ØstenIn The East
1994Twist and Shout-
1993GrænseløsBorderless
1992Det ny EuropaThe New Europe
1991Nordisk HvælvNordic Vault
1990Et vindue mod østA window to the East
1989Århus Festuges 25-års jubilæumAarhus Festuge's 25th anniversary
1988VerdenstrommerDrums of the World
1987Det dansk-franske kulturårThe Danish-French Cultural Year
1986Afrikansk KulturAfrican Culture
1985Dans nuDance now
1984Århus Festuges 20-års jubilæumAarhus Festuge's 20th anniversary
1983AlsidighedVersatility
1982MusikhusetThe Music House
1981Rytmisk musikRhythmic music
1980Idræt i centrumSports in highlight
1979Dans i centrumDance in highlight
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Nearby cities

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Similar cultural festivals are simultaneously held in some nearby cities. Randers Ugen has been celebrated in Randers since 1976 and Trekantsområdets Festuge since 2014 in the cities of Vejle, Fredericia and Kolding and surrounding smaller towns, collectively known as the Triangle Region.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ "About Aarhus Festival". Aarhus Festival. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  2. ^ "Aarhus Festuge".
  3. ^ "Randers Ugen" (in Danish). Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  4. ^ "Trekantsområdets Festuge" (in Danish). Retrieved 9 September 2016.
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56°09′12″N 10°12′03″E / 56.15333°N 10.20083°E / 56.15333; 10.20083