Cultural Alderman proposes closing Archauz

Today, Wednesday, June 2, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten wrote:

It looks like the constrained dance centre Archauz just might lose its livelihood. Its contract with the Municipality of Aarhus expires on July 1, and the Aarhus alderman for culture, Marc Perera Christensen (from the Conservative Party), proposes closing the flow of funds to for the dance center located at Brobjergskolen.

“We are shocked to hear the news of this strategy, which the alderman publicized today” said the Chair of Archauz Board, Bo Steffensen.

Over the last three months, since Jens Bjerregaard left his post as artistic director, Archauz has brainstormed a vision and action plan for Archauz’ future. This concept contains a vision, a plan of action, and a strategy for how Archauz can re-establish its financial footing.

“Archauz was under the impression it would have a chance to meet with the cultural alderman and the Aarhus Culture Committee at the beginning of June to negotiate Archauz’ future. Instead, I was invited to a closed meeting with the cultural alderman, during which he informed me of his intention to close Archauz,” added Bo Steffensen.

“Regardless of what the cultural alderman has in mind, Archauz will be the place where change meets tradition and the underground meets the established,” Louise Friis says passionately.

“Archauz is extremely significant for all contemporary dance and the performance arts – both in Aarhus and the rest of Denmark. It is here the national meets the international. It will happen next week, for example, when we hold the Aarhus International Choreography Competition for the second time,” she adds.

In this connection, Louise Friis references Archauz’ brand new vision and action plan, which she sent to the cultural alderman and the Aarhuc Culture Committee just this past Friday, May 28.

Read the vision and action plan here (Danish text).