Informational pages on the Gulf Stream "A Stream of Knowledge" Read more 2005 Calendar of Events for the entire region What’s on in Andøy? What’s on in Bø? What’s on in Hadsel? What’s on in Lødingen? What’s on in Sortland? What’s on in Øksnes? Cultural Cooperation events The Gulf Stream Cultural Boost: Centennial Observance in Vesterålen A regional project on the threshold between the Millennium and Centennial Observances. In Vesterålen, the Millennium and Centennial observances will be combined. Celebrations in the context of these spans of time will be embodied in the symbolism of bridges – between islands, between hearts and minds, between the past and the future, between Vesterålen and the outside world of which we are a part. On 8 February, Norway’s Minister of Cultural Affairs will open the Centennial observance in Vesterålen during a grand event at the ALOMAR research observatory just outside of Andenes. Read more The Vesterålen islands, like the rest of North Norway, are searching for what embodies the North Norwegian identity, a modern voice. To achieve this, all Vesterålen residents of all ages are encouraged to participate. The wish is that the Vesterålen islanders’ adaptability and their tradition for creating international bonds will continue and provide a renewed basis for development of a vital local society. The Gulf Stream has been chosen as a metaphor and source of inspiration. Therefore, we intend to combine the local with the international, the historical with more modern forms of expression. The mandate is to remain open to other societies, to learn from them and to bring the acquired knowledge home. This has begun and will continue to occur through cultural encounters with countries which are bound with us through the warm ocean currents: Mexico, Guatemala, Ireland and Iceland. To be able to confirm that there is no contraction between the local and the international, indeed that these can acknowledge one another and inspire new ways of thinking in coastal regions is an important part of the observances, a cultural boost that began with the Millennium celebration and is reflected in the Centennial Observance in 2005. A number of projects have been completed prior to the Centennial Observance. Permanent art installations have been established, annual culture weeks have been arranged and cultural relays have been run. Experimental performances featuring young people who are completing their education in the arts have been shown, and projects in cooperation with other ”Gulf Stream” countries have forged long-lasting bonds. What’s on? A glimpse from the opening on the Jennega field 18 Sept. 99. Ambassador Gustavo Irugas from Mexico lowers the cultural relay baton into the Gulf Stream. The baton was created by sculptor Harald Oredam, who is the  originator of the idea behind the Gulf Stream project. Photo: Ørn Borgen, Aften Kulturminister Valgerd Svarstad   Minister of Cultural Affairs Valgerd Svarstad Haugland will open the Centennial observance in Vesterålen from the ALOMAR research observatory at Andenes. Photo: ARF Prologue The Gulf Stream, by Lars Saabye Christensen Norwegian  English Icelandic Spanish