Culture Vultures

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The morning schedule took us back to the Rosenlundsplatsen building where we were based for a session last week and we made our way there with ease, I wouldn't exactly say it was early but even at 9am the streets seemed very quiet maybe in this area they like to ease into the week.

One of the officers we were planning to see, Rasoul Nejadmehr, must have spotted us on his way in - yes we still do stand out in numbers I suppose, and escorted us into the building.

Rasoul based with the Cultural Affairs team was quickly joined by his manager Annika Stromberg to talk to us about the region's work with culture and about broadening the participation in cultural activities. I initially thought the focus would be on the multi cultural society in this area but Rasoul explained it is more far reaching than that and takes into account any type of marginalized groups across all walks of life.

The focus in Vastra Gotaland is as simple as a good life for all its inhabitants both as an individual and for society as a whole. Culture is therefore one of the five policy areas given priority by Region Vastra Gotaland and Annika went on to explain how culture takes up an increasing share of people's everyday lives and there is a greater need to talk about cultures rather than Culture. This means that cultural policy faces the double challenge of widening its target area and becoming more accurate.

We were informed the basis of this is formed by five dimensions of cultural policy:

1. Democratic Transparency
2. Artistic Quality
3. Social Relevance
4. Economic Potential
5. Regional Image

It was an interesting overview of how a big region like this tackles the ongoing issues faced by most cities across the world which are only going to become more predominant in the coming years.

As we were near the Feskekorka (fish church) and this would be the last time we are over this part of the city myself and Danielle thought it would be rude not to grab another fish lunch but to our disappointment it is closed on a Monday.

I did though take the opportunity to get a quick snap of the public benches near the canal side - well a bit more than benches and surely something we can introduce in our country I think its a great idea even if I did struggle to get off them with any sort of grace.

The afternoon session was back at the main office and it was great to be able to spend a couple of hours with both Irma Ganibegovic and her manager Charlotta Lundstrom, Head of External Relations who have been instrumental in enabling this project to happen but of course Robin has been the main man in devising the programme.

Irma delivered a presentation on the EU and the role they play as the External Relations team to support the area especially their representation at the Brussels Office - it was certainly an education for us all as I must admit I didn't realise how much I didn't know around the EU until today.

After a quick coffee break (I may need rehab on my return) Charlotta provided an overview of the whole External Relations team and the variety of obligations they have for the area and how closely they are required to work with the politicians to deliver any EU developments crucial to the continued development and sustainability of the region.

On a more personal note Alex has been at it again with another noble act, some more leftovers from last nights pizza run (I was told to clear my plate when I was growing up but suppose that might explain my need for elasticated trousers) were offered to a homeless man on the streets - good work Alex.

We are off with week 2 and it was a good day, some of the programme for this week covers some of the more sensitive issues of the region so I may need to get the tissues at the ready.............and that's just for me.

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