Perm

Perm, the capital of Perm Krai, was a closed military city until as recently as 1991. Now, the city has relationships with four partner cities; the most recent city partnership was formed with Duisburg (Germany) in October 2007. Perm is multicultural with a lively, varied local culture, although it is still rare for foreign artists to perform in the city.

In 2006, Perm was the Cultural Capital of the Volga region. This resulted in the city of Perm consciously coming to terms with its potential in the field of culture. The study “Concept for the development of the cultural aspect in the city of Perm for a medium-term (2008–2010) and long-term (until 2015) perspective” set things off and is also the basis for this project. By 2015, Perm city council has set itself the aim of initiating strategic organisational development (“capacity building”) among the cultural institutes by strengthening the international and cross-sectoral links of local artists and the actors in the field of culture and developing innovative interdisciplinary formats and projects. This project is seen as a milestone in this development and as a chance to set out on new paths in developing the Perm-Duisburg city partnership. In this process, cultural institutions and artists, as well as creative artists, are seen as the driving force for developing a long-term, dynamic network.

Duisburg - vivid, vibrant and full of contrasts

Once known as "Coalville" Duisburg on the Rhine is today a city of full of diversity and has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike.

Fans of history, culture and art, for instance, have four interesting museums to choose between. Classical music lovers may prefer to listen to the German Opera on the Rhine at the municipal theatre or the Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra in the Mercator concert hall at the brand-new City Palais. Here gamblers can also try their luck in Germany's largest and newest casino. If it is nature you are looking for, take time to enjoy the extensive Six Lakes area in Duisburg's southern suburbs, or Landscape Park with its abandoned steel-works-turned-industrial-museum in the north. Those interested in gardening can take their pick of two botanical gardens, one in the east and one in the north. The more active can flit along the Rhine or hike through Revierpark Mattlerbusch. Enjoy shopping in the city centre or one of numerous neighbourhood shopping centres. Children will no doubt love a visit to the zoo to see koala bears and dolphins. Of course, the ideal family outing is a a sight-seeing river boat trip around Duisport, Europe´s largest inland harbour

The possibilities offered in Duisburg are inexhaustible. This mosaic city fulfills everyone's needs.

Pecs - The Borderless City

Right in the middle of Europe, at the gate to the Balkans the almond trees of the Mediterranean region burst into blossom as early as winter time and symbolize the cultural and artistic boom that is characteristic only of this region. This corner of the world is Pécs. This place is a workshop for those longing for knowledge, a Canaan for travellers and the centre of the world for the local residents. In 2010 Pécs will be the European Capital of Culture.

The cultural, artistic and intellectual heritage of the city, the traditions of its ethnic minorities and its geographical location and environment make Pécs one of the most exciting cities of Hungary. This is a place where we can discover traces of the Turkish rule while wandering around the mementos of Christian culture.

The traditional Zsolnay family established a porcelain factory here that still operates in the city. Numerous Hungarian artists lived and worked in Pécs and the works of Vasarely, Csontváry and Amerigo Tot are displayed in the form of permanent exhibitions. The early Christian cemetery, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Pécs National Theatre Festival, the enchanting restaurants, the Mediterranean climate are but a few things that make this city on the gentle slopes of the Mecsek Hills so attractive. Pécs is getting ready for its Renaissance. The Borderless City wishes to share its treasures with the world. In 2010 it will revive every bit as a new capital of culture.