Lille Vs Genoa 03/04

by B. Gilson

For 18 years now the concept of ‘European Capital of Culture’, created by the European Community ministries of culture under the initiative of Melina Mercuri, expands with the noble objective of developing European cultural heritage and of uniting different cultures.
Being designated as the yearly Capital of Culture is a great opportunity for a European city to prove or confirm its role within the artistic arena and to benefit from exceptional media coverage and increased tourism.
This year both Italy and France receive the privilege of hosting the ‘European Capital of Culture 2004’.
Genoa, through its major role played over the centuries, as an historical and cultural centre, is the justifiable and undisputed Italian location for such an event; however, reasons for the other choice of city to represent the cultural capital is not so immediately apparent, as it is Lille that will also host the event

Let’s face it, how many have heard of this place? And those who do know of the place probably couldn’t recall much about it!
Of course, Lille doesn’t possess the renown of Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Cannes or Saint Tropez, but the fact is that Lille, a metropolis of 1.108.450 inhabitants, is the very focal point of Europe’s strategic centre, neighbouring with Belgium and just a footstep away from Luxembourg, England, Holland, Germany… More significantly, Lille happens to enjoy outstanding cultural heritage and enormous potential.
Lille is celebrated as a dynamic cultural centre through it’s L’Opéra de Lille, L’Orchestre National de Lille, Ballets du Nord, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille (a leading gallery only second to the Louvre in Paris), and, those who have visited Lille will most likely be familiar with, the ‘Grande Braderie’ a type of giant market, held yearly, that gathers over a million visitors from all around Europe.

Lille’s potential further expresses itself through its contemporary and creative approach in catering for all ages and styles, including its extensive association with Arabic culture, an accepted and active gay community, rave parties and one of France’s most progressive jazz scenes...
Last but not least, Lille is fortunate to benefit from one of the largest budgets allocated to cultural affairs in France, allowing it to promote and further develop its artistic and cultural strengths.

The idea that Lille should be ‘European Capital of Culture 2004’, is not so surprising after all!
And it seems that Lille is performing the cultural capital show in a particularly innovative way.
Throughout the year the French city will be experiencing a variety of artistic projects to transform the streets and building facades, as well as public transport and other public areas. The ‘Inverted forests’ project, an artistic, poetic and architectural challenge, for example, presents thousands of trees hanging upside down at 12 meters above the ground. Old buildings, disused factories & farms are being transformed into “Maisons Folies” as the privileged stage for artistic meetings and exchanges.

Numerous other exhibitions, seminars, concerts, shows, and screenings, relating to artists, writers and philosophers from around the world, should make this event, perhaps unexpectedly but certainly, a recognized cultural success; and finally put Lille’s disappointment, after being rejected as candidate to host this year’s Olympics, far behind her.

For further details of events go to the official website: www.lille2004.com