Everlasting fairy tale

by Ms Anu Kivilo

Tallinn is taking the Capital of Culture process as an opportunity to place the entire city's space into cultural service, proving that a small society built on a strong cultural foundation can be as much a success as that of larger nations. In being the European Capital of Culture in 2011, Tallinn is eager to celebrate the level of maturity it has attained after gaining independence in 1991. As a free city, it has re-discovered itself and gained the self-confidence to move boldly towards the future. The original objectives of the European Capital of Culture seem purpose-designed for Tallinn, despite the fact that its creators could neither foresee the enlargement of the European Union nor Estonia becoming a member state. Tallinn acknowledges the fact that being a new member on the European map it can attract suspicion from some of the older members. To many Europeans Tallinn is still more like a mysterious fairy tale than a reality.

As the Capital of Culture, Tallinn has the following primary objectives:

• creating urban environment that focuses on fostering development of the citizens' creative activity and initiative, as well as allocating infrastructure and investments to accommodate the increasing cultural needs of citizens;
• creating guidelines for a creative economy that integrates with Tallinn's business community and becomes a part of the city's overall trademark;
• promoting cultural communication between Estonia's arts community and that of other nations in Europe, developing new projects and coopera tion in order to make Tallinn an open, multicultural city, while building the finance and development plans for existing and future public events. - ensuring Tallinn's recognition as an essential and important market and an attractive destination for cultural tourists.

Never before two European Capitals of Culture have been located so closely together geographically, historically and culturally. Tallinn and Turku can change the Gulf of Finland into the unique Cultural Sea.

Upon completion of the program, Tallinn will possess infrastructure and supporting systems designed to empower the city well into the future, far beyond its tenure as the European Capital of Culture. Working its way back to the European cultural map will require a flow of people, finance and ideas. And the honour of being European Capital of Culture 2011 is only one part of the long journey.

In 2011 Tallinn follows the slogan "Everlasting Fairy Tale," suggesting that the impossible is possible and that dreams can come true in 2011. The city itself will be bridging the gap between what is real and what was once considered fantasy.