First official assessment

In Maribor 2012, we were very happy to organise a Rencontre on Culture in touch with social borders: source of new creative paradigms in this ECoC second largest city in Slovenia. This Rencontre was shouldered by five partner cities: Murska Sobota, Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec, Velenje and Novo Mesto. During the Rencontre in Maribor, from the 12th to the 16th April 2012, we felt the enthusiasm of the inhabitants for the ECoC title. The Maribor Public Institute 2012 collaborated with our team in a very warm and professional manner. We had the chance to take part in many cultural events offered by Maribor 2012 and to discover its fascinating history. Drago Jancar -internationally renowned Slovenian author- honoured us by introducing our conference and speaking of his city and country.

According to the organisers of Maribor 2012 over two million people took part in the 5.230 activites prepared within the programme framework. At a press conference, Suzanna Zilic Fiser, director of Maribor 2012 assessed that the main objectives (encouraging creativity and establishing links at different levels) were attained and sometimes went beyond their expectations. Mitja Cander the manager of the programme also insisted that they believed in the spirit, content and substance of the programme. "We have redefined the notion of culture and tried to reinforce its part in social life". Creativity, solidarity and dialog were underlined as central elements of the project and as very important values nowadays. Mrs Mitja Cander also expressed satisfaction that the programme encouraged citizens to be more self-aware: "If the project promoted democratization of opinions and public dialog, our objective has been met".

Suzana Zilic Fiser also answered a few questions on the first results ofthis exceptional year.
1. LR: What has been your most important satisfaction after this year?

After the intensive year 2012 we have very mixed feelings but we can also talk about the results and impact already. The most important satisfaction from my perspective is the fact that we were able to motivate many different organisations, institutions, cities and countries to work together. This was not obvious before and we made important steps forward. Also, citizens became proud of their cities and this was evident from beginning of the year. We included lots of volunteers and this is great to see how devoted they were to the project!

2. LR: What legacy do you think Maribor 2012 has left for the future of the city and its inhabitants?

Legacy can be seen from different perspectives, tangible and intangible ones. Maribor did not build much in term of infrastructure, but the spirit of the creativity, of culture was extremely strong and this will remain in the city and the region. In addition to that, cities and institutions have started to cooperate and build new platforms for collaboration in different fields. I am convinced that this is a legacy that will contribute to the development (of the cities and the region) in the future. We have also set new standards for cultural production and cultural cooperation and this is an important paradigm for the future.

3. What would you like to wish for the ECoCs 2013?

All ECOCs have the same problems but there is no single solution. Each city has to find its own way! It is important to be self-confident and believe that ECOC is a great project, extremely positive and engaging. I wish them a lot of strength to overcome the obstacles, lots of courage to express new things and ideas and I wish they would believe in the citizens who are always the most important segment in the project. Believe in your wonderful goal! Marseille and Kosice, I wish the best of luck!

Source: Newsletter des Rencontres n°11 - janvier 2013

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First official assessment