Stavanger 2008: From Norwegian Oil Capital to European Capital of Culture - presentation of the IRIS/UiS research project Hilmar Rommetvedt International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS) “Town and Gown”, UNeECC Annual Conference Sibiu, Romania, 26 October 2007

University of Stavanger 8,000 students 900 faculty, administration and service staff Faculties: –arts and education –social sciences –science and technology

International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS) an independent non-profit organisation owned –50% by the University of Stavanger (UiS) and –50% by the Rogaland Research Foundation research activities: –Social Sciences and Business Development –Petroleum –Gas Technology –Marine Environment approx. 200 employees

Stavanger2008 Vision: Open Port The Stavanger2008 vision is expressed through the concept "Open Port". This can be understood both in its English sense - "an open harbour", - and in its Norwegian meaning of "an open gate". Open Port – openness towards the world - is about challenging the region and its people to be even more open and inclusive towards each other, art, ideas and opportunities. (Source:

Stavanger2008 Objectives a broad and enduring cultural lift, especially for children and the young quality, innovation and diversity in the arts enduring networks in the fields of arts and culture cultural curiosity and tolerance regional identity and pride further development of industry and commerce construction of cultural and physical infra-structure (Source:

Stavanger2008 Values *Tolerance and freedom of speech *Hospitality and accessibility *Cultural heritage and development *Innovation and quality *Environment and aesthetics (Source:

The IRIS/UiS study of Stavanger2008 I.Principal project based on surveys among citizens in 2007 and 2009 (and comparisons with nation-wide surveys and earlier surveys in Stavanger area) –To what extent, and how, do the inhabitants of the region get involved and participate in the Capital of Culture events? –How does the Capital of Culture year affect participation in and attitudes towards cultural life in general? –How are the values and opinions of the population affected by the Capital of Culture events and the vision and values of Stavanger2008?

The IRIS/UiS study of Stavanger2008 II. Specialised sub-projects Impacts on arts and cultural life and experiences made by cultural institutions and organisers of specific arrangements Media’s coverage of Stavanger2008

The 2007 survey Telephone interviews with 2303 persons in the Stavanger region and Rogaland County 1839 respondents (80 %) accepted to fill in an additional questionnaire 1301 questionnaires (71 %) have been returned

Scheme of analysis – hypothesised relationships Participation in cultural activities in general ”Open Port” related values and opinions Social background Participation in Capital of Culture activities

3. Would you say that you are…

5. How often do you… Take out books at the library? Go to the cinema? Attend an art exhibition? Attend a sports event (as a spectator)? Usually attend a religious service or meeting? Never, Once a year (1-3 days a year), A few times a year (4-11 days), Once a month, Twice a month, Once a week, Several times a week, Don’t know

12. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about painting? Abstract paintings interest me as much as figurative paintings. Modern paintings are really just a mess. A child could do it. I like paintings of Norwegian landscape. Completely disagree, Partly disagree, Partly agree, Completely agree, Paintings don’t interest me.

29. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? There are many opinions that should never have been allowed on radio and TV. I wish that Norway and Norwegians were more open to the world around us. Emotions are more important than logic and reason. The old and proven are usually better than newfangled inventions. I prefer spending time with people who are open to change and new ideas.

8. The Stavanger region has been selected as European Capital of Culture in To what extent do you find that this concerns you?

9. Do you think it was the right or wrong decision by the Stavanger region to bid for European Capital of Culture status in 2008? Percent

10. How positive or negative is your general impression of the Capital of Culture year / Stavanger 2008? Percent

11. I will now present some statements concerning the Stavanger region as Capital of Culture in Do you agree or disagree completely or partly with each of these statements? Percent agree

12. Have you participated in any of Stavanger2008’s events, either as a performer/organiser/volunteer or as a member of the audience?