Fredrik Lindegren will be the Artistic Director for Umeå 2014

Although the formal decision will be made by the Municipal Executive Committee on 13 October 2009, an unanimous executive committee has appointed Lindegren to the position. This decision means that Umeå takes an important step forward in the process of building up the organisation that will implement the European Capital of Culture 2014.

— It is an exciting job that is both a challenge and a honourable show of confidence, says Fredrik Lindgren.

Combines two roles
Lindegren, who is a well-known theatre personality in Umeå and Västerbotten, was appointed project manager for Umeå's work with the European Capital of Culture 2014 in the spring of 2006. Shortly afterwards he served the position of Head of Cultural Activities in the municipality of Umeå. Since then he has combined the two roles during the years that the project has been in progress and he will also continue to be the Head of Cultural Activities while he is serving as Artistic Director for Umeå 2014.

— We are going to make sure that we have the necessary staffing for the Cultural Affairs Administration and the Umeå 2014 organisation so that it will be possible to combine the roles in the best possible way, explains Fredrik Lindegren.

The organisation for Umeå 2014 will be gradually built up. The objective is to expand on local involvement. The European network will become more important, especially in the work to develop the European dimension.

— We are not going to establish a completely new external organisation. Instead we are going to build on the skills and competencies we have in Umeå. Competence, commitment and knowledge will still remain — even after 2015, concludes Fredrik Lindegren.