Welcome to Linz09
Linz09 has meant 365 days of culture in all its forms, and a few refreshing updates in and for the City of Linz. Visitors, audience members, participants—they’re the ones who have the final say about the success of a Capital of Culture year. Attendance at more than 7.700 Linz09 events, exhibitions, festivals, actions and projects was nearly 3.5 million. This figure topped even the most optimistic estimates. Accordingly, we want to express our thanks first and foremost to all the tourists and locals whose enthusiasm and openness to novel experiences have made it all happen.At the end of the Capital of Culture year, this website ceased functioning as a program information medium. It now serves as an archive and research tool designed for maximum utility. Thus, in retrospect as well, users still have access to an overview of all Capital of Culture projects and activities.
There was an upbeat tone across the board in Linz 2009 GmbH’s final wrap-up of the Capital of Culture year—both with respect to the content itself as well as the initiative’s finances. Linz09 has launched a wide array of groundbreaking developments that constitute a sustainable presence in Linz. A prime example is the LINZER CHARTA, a major initiative staged in conjunction with ACOUSTIC CITY that the Linz City Council passed as an official municipal policymaking instrument in the fight against noise pollution and that is already generating political echoes in cities beyond Austria's borders. Another big hit has been the KEPLER SALON; the efforts to preserve this very popular forum for scientific discussions are ongoing. HÖHENRAUSCH—High-Altitude Euphoria drew more than 270,000 visitors, making it the most successful contemporary art exhibition ever staged in Austria. In retrospect, 2009’s jam-packed cultural lineup has been characterized by great diversity as well as artistic excellence.
Linz09 has done a terrific job stimulating tourism too. While the global economic crisis was producing a decline in the number of overnight stays in all other major Austrian cities, Linz chalked up a 9,5% increase.
It goes without saying that the road to this kind of self-confidence was a long one. Linz underwent massive and lasting changes even before 2009 – from an industrial, working-class city in the old mould with its catastrophic air parameters to a place with a high quality of life and with cultural ambitions. This means that Linz is offering a combination almost unique in Europe of a modern, highly productive industrial infrastructure, a growing cultural potential rapidly approaching top standards and attractive nature enclaves both within the city’s boundaries and in its immediate surroundings.
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