In Chamber Shoes - Alison Henderson

I joined a small delegation from Scotland to Denmark to learn about the impact that being awarded European City of Culture has on a city. Aarhus is a city which has been on a journey. By putting culture and innovation at the heart of its regeneration, it is enjoying definitive economic growth, seeing vast levels of investment and population gains. Business is at the heart of that journey and we must look to strengthen connections to help Dundee & our region grow too.

They have much to be proud of, were extremely welcoming and absolutely inspiring. Visit Aarhus2017 to read about their programme.

We'll be making strong connections with Business Aarhus and building business to business opportunities. Hover over the images below to read more about my experiences!

Copenhagen...first stop!

I am travelling to Denmark with Stewart Murdoch of Leisure and Culture Dundee, who is driving the #dundee23 bid and looking to build on the work that was done for Dundee's bid for UK City of Culture. So it's trains, planes and a walk to our aparthotel which is on the riverfront and has an amazing view!

Copenhagen’s Børsen

The most stunning building opposite our first meeting today - we were with MindLab, an innovation unit which involves citizens and businesses in creating new solutions for society. They work with the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, the Ministry of Employment, the Ministry of Education.

On to #Aarhus2017

We are met by our host Theresa Blegvad, CEO of Insights Denmark and Member of the City Council. Our first visit in Aarhus is to Godsbanen, a centre for cultural production, which sits side by side with an organically created village of maker spaces, new businesses and community spaces. 

Maker spaces, cafe culture & waterfront

Aarhus reopened a canal in the heart of the waterfront district & created a vibrant cafe culture leading to DOKK1, an impressive new library building. Our dinner was a stunning end to the day...Michelin standard!

Insights, School Olympics & Business

A visit to the Insights Denmark office starts the day...then we watch hundreds of children compete in the national School Olympics!

Ambition in Aarhus

The ARoS Art Museum's Rainbow was added to the building in 2011. ARoS will host a large conference in 2017: 'rethinking the value of arts and culture'.

Moesgaard Museum

Moesgaard is stunning - set 10 minutes out of Aarhus in vibrant forests. It is hosting Røde Orm – a magnificent Viking saga performed on the roof of the building.

Our host

Theresa & all of her Aarhus colleagues have been an inspiration - thanks from Bryan, Alison & Stewart...you've been amazing!

Leaving...on a sea plane!

For business travellers, a 45 minute sea plane hop to Copenhagen, rather than a 3 hour train journey, is proving a popular trip.

Global Bridges

As I return to Dundee, it's time to reflect and build the ways that business can have impact and contribute to #dundee23

Highlights

This globe installation is Climate Planet - and behind it the stunning Navitas building - a unique collaboration for engineering between education and business.

Denmark's Larder

The standard of food was superb...and all put together in the most thoughtful and well-presented way, and delivered with top service too!