Tallinn 2011 – European Capital of Culture

In 2011, Europe’s best stories will be told in Tallinn!

In 2011, Tallinn begins the largest storytelling event in its history. Writers, musicians, artists and actors will tell, paint, sing and act tales inspired by the sea, speaking of Estonia and its people. The stories will be short and long, modern and ancient, exciting and tragic; most importantly, they will all be genuinely Estonian-like.

The Nature of Stories

Storytelling gives birth to meaning and understanding. Our stories help discover and preserve the image of young Estonia as part of Europe. Stories give rise to Estonian history as they relate to Europe and the modern world, as well as the face and achievements of the Estonian people. More significant, however, is the fact that Tallinn’s position as the culture capital will allow these stories to be shared with visitors and those observing the year of cultural celebration from all around the world.

A story does not always have to be positive, just as life is not entirely positive. A hero of a story must conquer challenges, but in the process he/she also has to undergo a personal transformation. The same applies to the story of Estonia history, which speaks of both war and peace; advanced technology and the unharnessable sea; about the Estonians, the Russians, the Danish and the Finnish – and why not the Latvians. Estonia has often been in the crossroads of others cultures and this clearly echoes in our stories – always in a lively and intriguing way.

Storytellers will not constrain themselves to traditional methods, but will instead utilise all mediums available today – everything from social networking to experimental visual and sonar solutions.

It is also important to note that our stories will not only be told for the foreigners to benefit, but also for ourselves, so that we may discover anew ourselves, our history and our country.

In 2011, Europe’s best stories will be told in Tallinn!