Manchester pairs up with Danish cities in pioneering urban development link

A pioneering partnership between Manchester and the Danish cities of Aarhus and Aalborg has been agreed which will pave the way for future cultural collaboration on arts and health, young people and urban development and design.

It’s the first time an official cultural partnership has been forged between cities in Denmark and other countries solely to promote better opportunities for cultural exchange within these fields and the agreement is set to benefit artists, cultural organisations and audiences in both Manchester and Denmark.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure said: ‘Manchester is known across the world as a city that values culture and recognises the benefits to people and place of investing in it.

‘We also value the many links we have with other countries and cities outside the UK, and see clearly the benefits that working in partnership with them bring.

‘Now more than ever we’re determined to strengthen these ties where we can, and we’re excited about the benefits this unique cultural agreement we’ve now got with the Danish cities of Aalborg and Aarhus will bring.’

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of the three cities by Luthfur Rahman as well as Cllr Mads Duedahl, Deputy Mayor for Health and Culture, Aalborg, and Cllrr Rabih Azad-Ahmad, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Citizen Service, Aarhus.

Alison Clark, North Director and National Combined Arts Director at Arts Council England said: ‘The success and sustainability of the arts and cultural sector depends on effective partnerships and collaboration – locally, nationally and internationally.

‘Artists, arts organisations and museums in Manchester and across the North have long been involved in international collaboration and exchange which broadens our own experience and culture and gives our nation an international presence.’