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Genova (2004)
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The year 2004, Genova’s year as European Capital of Culture, has begun. The fact that it was elected as such by the governments of the European Union constitutes a high honour for Genova, an extraordinary opportunity to think about its culture, its history, its future development and to launch its refreshed image in Italy and around the world. The City felt that it was key to involve all the institutions in Genova’s territory in this event. Thus, a Committee was formed to oversee the organisation of Genova 2004, consisting of the following institutions: Comune di Genova, Provincia di Genova, Regione Liguria, Universitΰ degli Studi, Camera di Commercio, Autoritΰ Portuale and representatives of the Ministero per i Beni e le Attivitΰ Culturali. As far as managing and operational support is concerned, the Committee used the company Genova 2004 s.r.l., which was created for the purpose. We are taking advantage of this extraordinary occasion to start a new course heading in two directions: one aimed at the valorization of the artistic and architectural wealth and an overall urban organisation to make the city a more livable and inviting place; the other involved into the programming of events focusing on three different theme-routes: Genova City of Art; Genova Capital of the Sea; Genova Contemporary City. In the recent past, we have enhanced the city’s relevant artistic heritage, mostly intervening on existing museums, but also on edifices of excellent architectural quality, including the so-called Palazzi dei Rolli, and the splendid sea-front row of palaces. Other works have involved the Porto Antico (restoration works of which began in 1992 according to the project of Architect Renzo Piano), the piazze and various road axes, in order to make the vast Centro Cittΰ into a pedestrian area. The result sought after is not to focus on a single major event that is short-lived and able to involve a vast public for a limited amount of time, whose effects are intended to expire within only 365 days. Instead, our goal is to give culture a vast and articulated meaning, also involving the themes of solidarity, science and research, technology, training and work that this city is able to express. Our most fervent wish is that the events organised for 2004 – all top quality – also constitute an excellent pretext for visitors to know the city better. We hope everyone will appreciate its new identity as a city open to Europe and the world, in which people may live and invest, and where traditional industrial, port, commerce and high-technology activities may coexist harmoniously with more recent businesses related to tourism and culture. We are aware that it is precisely in culture and science that lie the roots for developing the city in 2004. And thereafter; And it is no accident that the logo chosen to symbolise this is GeNova 04 – a New Genova. Giuseppe Pericu Mayor of Genoa President of the Committee Genoa 2004
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