Collection Tours – Visitors/ photo: Ruhr:RuhrArtMuseums, 2009

“Essen for the Ruhr“, is the capital of Culture 2010. It represents 53 cities, towns and districts and 5.3 million inhabitants, making it the third largest conurbation in Western Europe (after London and Paris). It is the first time that the capital of culture has been designated to an entire region (it’s usually a city) and the Ruhr valley has embraced the challenge with an ambitious goal without precedence; transforming a region into a leading European metropolis. Guiding the massive operation is the organizational body RUHR.2010 GmbH led by Chairman Dr. h.c. Fritz Pleitgen.

Taking a closer look at the region’s history explains why ‘Essen for the Ruhr’ qualifies for its bestowed title. Its rich industrial history (coal and steel) left a strong legacy of cultural diversity, creativity, knowledge, technical know-how and identity which the region has drawn on over the years for a successful comeback following the demise of its industries.

Over the last twenty years the gray post-industrial Ruhr basin has repositioned itself, through extensive urban regeneration and the implementation of transformation strategies, as a modern industrial landscape. Milestones include: “The Industrial Heritage Trail” the renovation of abandoned factory buildings that attracts international and nation tourism; a flourishing service sector accounting for 80% of the regions GDP; the founding of 19 universities and the transfer of academic scientific research and technological development to the business and industrial world.

With the motto “change through culture” the high-profile team at RUHR.2010 embody their mission to turn their cultural heritage into cultural capital.

During 2010 “Essen for Ruhr” will be staging more than 300 cultural projects and 2,500 events mobilising the region’s key actors from culture, politics and business not only to attract international attention but to leave a long lasting sustainable impact on the cities’ cultural, economical and social development, with the ultimate goal of becoming a “European role model of an innovative and offbeat metropolis”.

The first RUHR.2010 Forum will kick off this month on September 29 and will focus on “The Ruhr mythology”, where the European Capital of Culture will showcase its historical context; from the roots that have shaped the region to its quest for a successful future. The panel will be moderated by the Chairman of the RUHR.2010 GmbH, Fritz Pleitgen, and will feature the following prominent speakers, all of whom have ties to the region:

For more information visit the Essen for Ruhr website