Networks

Capital of Culture for a year - and then? A building constructed or renovated
in 2010, won't be disappearing after the year is out - of course. But what
about art creations and their future? A story will be remembered, you'll hum
an evergreen. But is that enough in terms of future?

The advantages of teamwork are obvious in team sports: The best successes
are not neccessarily achieved by the team with the biggest star, but by the
team that works together, supports each other, helps and drives each other to
top performance again and again. These teams have to be formed in art,
culture and science - and between the individual cities of the Ruhr metropolis.

2010 is going to be great, but it shouldn't be all there is. Choirs that meet here,
will meet again. A visit to the theatre in a neighbouring town may be the first
of many. The many universities, technical and research institutions will continue
to grow. Cross-city projects initiated in 2010 should not be dinosaurs. The
economic aspects of culture will be strengthened, and new possibilities will see
 the light of day. This is the kind of sustainability we are striving for beyond 2010.

That is why networks were formed in the first place for RUHR.2010: some public,
others only small, and some not even visible. That means that conferences and
symposiums, alliances and friendships made here, will lay the foundations for
 future progress; they will be living proof of what we achieved together - and
looking forward, we will know: Everything will turn out well.