Anniversary project
The City of Gothenburg's anniversary projects are sprung from ideas from the residents of Gothenburg's ideas. The projects help to fulfill the 400-years anniversary's goals and vision. They also add value to the city through unique solutions and events that are sustainable in the long term. They are of a different nature and represent a diversity and breadth. The projects are considered to have the potential to make a lasting impression for the future.
City of Gothenburg's anniversary projects
Breakwater Publishing and Aino Trosell
The book Varvsslammer (Shipyard`s Clatter) was published on 23 April 2021. It consists of fictional texts by the author Aino Trosell inspired from the work on the shipyards in Gothenburg. The novel is interleaved with pictures from the shipyard`s history. In 2022, the publisher will also publish the book Arven efter varven (The Legacy of the Shipyards) by art photographer Lena Öritsland.
The Anniversary Song
When Gothenburg celebrated 350 years, Lasse Dahlqvist wrote his most played songs "Välkommen till Göteborg" ("Welcome to Gothenburg"). The Brewhouse Award has together with Gothenburg's 400th anniversary attracted songwriters to write the official anniversary song and the winner is now revealed. During The Brewhouse Award on Januari 31, the winning song was presented, "Vi vill leva, vi vill dö i Göteborg" ("We want to live, we want to die in Gothenburg") written by Katarina Hemlin.
Glimpses of Gothenburg’s History
Glimpses of Gothenburg’s history take you on a historical journey around Västra Nordstan. Nine historical events, each with a unique story. During the summer of 21 citizens of Gothenburg and visitors could experience Glimpses of Gothenburg's history's installations and filmed dramatizations in the historic quarters around Kronhuset via QR codes. You can continue to experience the glimpses here.
Land Art
2017 is the year when Göteborgs Stad, through its 400th anniversary, focuses on creating a greener city. As part of the work, the city is adorned with, among other things, natural art works in seven places that are accessible to everyone. Land Art is an art form that takes off in the landscape and uses nature as a source to create installations that are meant to last for a longer period of time.
Hisingsbron
Hisingsbron is located in the middle of central Gothenburg. The new connection connects the city center across the water and unites the city's two halves into a green and close city. Hisingsbron has been open to pedestrians, cyclists, cars and buses since Sunday 9 May 2021. On 16 August, the bridge opened up for trams.
Your Place in the City
"Your Place in the City" uses the urban development web as a platform to invite people on our journey towards the new city. By showing how questions about attractiveness, security and participation can be taken into account during a period of heavy construction, Gothenburg sets a bold example that is well worth visiting.
Rain Gothenburg
Taking rain as our starting point we will work together to make our city even more attractive to live in, run a business in or visit. On average, it rains every third day in Gothenburg, which is not always appreciated. When the city asked the people of Gothenburg how they want to celebrate the city’s 400-year anniversary, their wishes included getting closer to the water and turning rain into a resource.
Pop-Up Göteborg
This initiative aims to provide sites with temporary building permits for cultural and creative businesses, such as handicrafts, small-scale design, art and crafts, artisan food, etc. At present there is a lack of basic sites for making and selling goods, for artistic and creative activities in central locations at low cost. Infrastructure developments in Gothenburg mean that there are temporary sites that could be used. Another purpose of pop-up solutions is to add interesting elements in the cityscape while construction projects are under way in Gothenburg.
Democracy and Young Influence
During consultations with residents about the anniversary initiatives, one of the desires expressed was to increase young people’s opportunities to get involved and have real influence. The main purpose of this project is to provide opportunities to increase residents’ participation and influence, with a special focus on children and young people. It is also the ambition to showcase democracy and the developments that have taken place in the century since the Swedish people gained the right to vote.
Gothenburg City Triennial
Gothenburg City Triennial is a platform for discussing and jointly creating a city. A forum for discussion and debates concerning the most urgent city development issues in which both industry and the general public are invited to contribute. Together, we are exploring new ways of using, giving and creating space in the conversation about the city.
Gothenburg Tales
Gothenburg Tales aims to give people a stronger sense of belonging, identity and connectedness in Gothenburg – whether they have recently moved here or lived here for generations. A large number of personal stories have been collected to give insight into residents’ experiences and lives.
Integration through the docks at Eriksberg
This is a collection of historical boats and working boats from various eras and home ports. Strong emphasis is placed on bringing in people of different ages and backgrounds. This promotes an exchange of ideas and knowledge about how these boats were maintained and sailed. There are various organised activities, courses in seamanship, talks about our cultural heritage and ongoing maintenance work. The docks will also be an appealing day out for many residents of the city and visitors.
Blueways, Greenways and Oases
The aim of this anniversary initiative is to create social, cultural and ecological meeting places in the city by 2021. In response to the wishes of residents, blueways and greenways will make it easier for people to get around and meet others from different parts of the city, relax and enjoy culture and nature
A more accessible archipelago
This initiative aims to improve transport links from the city centre to the archipelago and vice versa, and at the same time put the archipelago on the map. Among other things, this work has led to more departures to and from the city centre in summer and all year round. This is an ongoing initiative in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Västra Göteborg District Administration, the Municipality of Öckerö, Göteborg & Co, Västtrafik and Styrsöbolaget.
Jubilee Park at Frihamnen
The Jubilee Park is located close to the water, surrounded by green spaces, is emerging in Frihamnen. The ambition is that the Jubilee Park will be open to visit during the entire expansion of the area and that it will be built together with residents, schools, associations and businesses.
History
Culture
Anniversary Products
Health
Art, design and crafts
Let’s Colour Gothenburg
Let’s Colour Gothenburg is an initiative that creates real jobs for unemployed youth while decorating the city with public artworks. In 2019 the art initiative extended to the Gothenburg region, and in Gothenburg exceptional international artworks was painted along a 21-kilometre art trail "21 km Konst" from Blå Stället cultural centre in Angered to Röda Sten Art Centre.
