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The Anniversary Mission
On June 4, 1621, Gothenburg received its city privileges. We have celebrated by working together to make our city an even better place, all the way up to the Anniversary celebrations in 2023, leaving lasting impressions long thereafter. But what does this mean? Here you can read about the Anniversary mission.
Already in 2009, Gothenburg’s municipal executive board commissioned Göteborg & Co to lead, coordinate, and communicate the work for Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary, in broad collaboration with the entire city, with the aim set for 2021.
In September 2020, decisions were made to adjust plans due to Covid-19. This meant that the official birthday on June 4, 2021, became a formal, historical celebration on a smaller scale, and an anniversary calendar collected and highlighted activities conducted by various actors throughout the year.
The large public celebration was postponed to 2023 to allow residents and visitors from all over the world to celebrate together. Gothenburg’s Anniversary celebrations then kicked off with the Anniversary Festival in Frihamnen, attracting over 300,000 visitors on the first weekend of June, and concluded with a grand final weekend, including an Anniversary Parade on main street Avenyn in September. Throughout the summer, celebrations took place all over the city with exhibitions, stage programs, jubilees of Gothenburg’s centennial institutions, and much more.
Engage the Entire City
The Anniversary mission has engaged thousands of people in an open dialogue, where the city’s administrations and companies, as well as seven perspective groups, have actively participated. Everyone who wanted to was invited to take part and share their dreams, ideas, and suggestions for the future.
The results were compiled into the work plan “Gothenburg 2021. Opportunities on the Way to Gothenburg’s 400th Anniversary” and an idea book (only in Swedish).
In 2012, the City Council decided on the vision, goals, and themes for the anniversary, and that the work plan would serve as the basis for ongoing efforts.
The anniversary organisation consisted of a consultation group with representatives from across the city and an organisation within Göteborg & Co. The work has been conducted through an open process all the way, allowing everyone to participate and contribute to making Gothenburg an even better city.
Testing Possibilities Through Feasibility Studies
To determine which of the 45 ideas in the work plan could become reality, feasibility studies were conducted. The goal was to thoroughly examine each idea to see which were realistically achievable. Each feasibility study had a responsible leader who involved multiple collaboration partners. One or more districts were represented to ensure a “whole city perspective.” The aim of the feasibility studies was to produce decision-making materials, including cost estimates and timelines for further direction and project design, and to suggest project owners. More than 20 ideas from the work plan became concrete anniversary initiatives.
Sustainability in Action
The anniversary work has been characterised by sustainability in all three dimensions: social, ecological, and economic. Ultimately, it is about building a city where dreams are realised, where residents feel a sense of involvement and connection, and that also attracts more visitors. This is how we want to celebrate our city together and make a mark on the world. The sustainability efforts adhere to the City of Gothenburg’s established policies and guidelines to manage and execute the mission for the benefit of Gothenburg’s residents.
Making a Mark for the Future
Thousands of ideas, dreams, and proposals form the foundation of the themes and goals that guided the vision, extending through the anniversary year and far beyond. This is the value base that the anniversary rests on to contribute to the development of Gothenburg:
Vision
Gothenburg is internationally recognised as a bold model for sustainable growth. We are an innovative, open, and inclusive city where all residents feel a sense of purpose and involvement.
Three themes
Close to Water, Building Bridges, and Open Spaces serve as strategies to maintain the vision’s direction and invite participation all the way to the celebration and beyond.
- Close to Water: Bringing the city closer to all forms of water; the sea, archipelago, harbour, lakes, canals, river, and rain.
- Building Bridges: Creating connections between people and reducing distances.
- Open Spaces: Developing an open and welcoming atmosphere through new creative meeting places.
Five goals
- Make an international impact: work towards making Gothenburg a city where residents thrive, feel involved, proud, and hopeful about the future.
- Be a bold model for sustainable growth: meet and exceed already established goals.
- Further develop Gothenburg and the surrounding region: collaborate broadly with city councils, companies, and local, regional, national, and international actors.
- Engage the entire city in the celebration: invite to a continuous open dialogue where everyone can participate.
- Strengthen the image of Gothenburg: through effective communication and marketing.
More about Gothenburg’s 400th Anniversary
The Anniversary Book
Gothenburg’s 400th Anniversary in Pictures The book about Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary contains a selection of thousands of photos and experiences…
The Anniversary Film
The story of more than 10 years of anniversary assignments condensed into 10 minutes. It covers urban development and celebration,…
Digital Initiatives
Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary has contributed to the digital development of the city and its destination in various ways.
