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The European cultural Season in the cities
All of the French local communities, essential partners in the European cultural Season - and quite particularly the large and medium-sized cities - have been invited to associate themselves with this national and European event by organising cultural activities during the entire second-half of the year 2008.
To give free rein to local initiatives while promoting coherent projects, the European cultural Season wanted to promote an open approach highlighting all of the quality European cultural and artistic events during the French presidency of the European Union.
Whether by welcoming European performers, highlighting various types of artistic and cultural expression of one or several member States of the European Union, or organisation of exhibitions or of European events covering all artistic fields, each of the cities will celebrate Europe and the diversity of its cultures in its own way.
In addition, the cities have been invited to cooperate in the cultural projects constituting the season, on a national scale, whether by organising a European "popular ball" for 14 July 2008, or by highlighting the European heritage in connection with a European museum tour.
Many cities have already responded favourably, and we thank them very warmly for this. In this document we are informing you about a sample of certain cities' programmes. Other communities have already indicated their interest in this project and would be added to this list by the start of the European cultural season. All of the schedules will be accessible on the internet site of the European cultural season.
Bordeaux
Preliminary programme
more
Open to its river, crossed by broad perspectives, Bordeaux, thanks to the effect of high-speed urban renovation, is becoming a European metropolis. The candidate for the title of European capital of culture for 2013 and chosen along with three other French cities during the preselection process, Bordeaux has desired significant involvement in the European cultural season.
Lyon
Preliminary programmemore
The city of Lyon is a candidate for the title of European capital of culture for 2013.
In the occasion of the European cultural season, numerous artistic projects and creations, the fruit of collaboration with European performers, will be presented in Lyon. Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia and Estonia will be features in particular for this international event.
Marseille-Provence
Preliminary programme
more
Marseille-Provence is the territory that, from Arles to Toulon by way of Aix-en-Provence, Martigues, Istres, Aubagne or Salon de Provence, groups the communities now mobilising alongside the city of Marseille for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2013.
Paris
PARIS the European
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From 1 July to 31 December 2008, France will be the President of the European Union. That event puts Paris, as a capital, in a special and widely-anticipated position.
Reims
Preliminary programmemore
Reims, which was 90% destroyed in World War One and was rebuilt thanks to the American financial help, Reims, the city of Franco-German reconciliation, will necessarily be celebrating Europe on the occasion of the French presidency of the European Union.
Rennes
Preliminary programme
more
The European dimension has long been at the heart of the Rennes projects in connection with structures in several countries, particularly the cities of the Atlantic Arc, of network created by E. Hervé in 2000. Thus Rennes Métropole and the city of Rennes are contributing fully to this season.
Strasbourg
Preliminary programme
more
Strasbourg, a city that symbolises the unification of Europe and capital of European democracy, will display the colours of the French presidency of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2008. A cross-road of the Europe of people, Strasbourg has always been an emblematic venue for European ideas and movements.
Toulouse
Preliminary programme
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European Bal within the framework of the "European balls" project
(subject to change)
13 or 14 July 2008
