Holstebro (DK)

Holstebro lies in West Jutland, in a part of the country where people are hard to impress – so you do not immediately expect art and culture to be given pride of place here. Nevertheless, the town has a motto: “Culture thrives in Holstebro because there is always someone who waters it”.

Holstebro Municipality laid the foundation for cultural development in the town when it purchased Alberto Giacometti’s sculpture “Woman on the Cart” in 1966.

“Ya’ don’t get much for ya’ dough nowadays” was the public reaction when the sculpture was unveiled next to the church. But “Woman on a Cart” was soon renamed “Maree on the Cart”, pronounced with a thick West Jutland dialect, which appeased the staid local population and led to the small figure being accepted.

Many other initiatives followed, so that Holstebro now has sculptures on practically every street corner, a world-class ballet company, a section of The Royal Theatre’s Ballet School and one of the country’s best music schools. The Odin Theatre, the world’s first permanent laser sculpture – and a flourishing music life.

Art in the streets

Art is extremely visible in Holstebro. The mayor of the day was convinced that art should be placed where everyone could appreciate it.

“Why hide it away in a museum where only people in their Sunday best can appreciate it” he said. And he kept his word. That line has been adhered to ever since, resulting in new works of art each time you round a street corner in the town centre. The latest initiative is “The tobacco Worker’s Dream” more than 40 sculptures grouped around the Færch Square and The Red Square near the town’s Music Theatre.

Modern ballet with classical roots.

The Royal Theatre’s Ballet School is world famous for its fine classical traditions. Holstebro is unique in having a section of The Royal Theatre outside the capital. The town is also the home of The Peter Schaufuss Ballet. The former ballet master at The Royal Theatre has established his own ballet company and has already gained international recognition for his modern interpretations and classical pieces.

With masks and stilts

The Odin Theatre Company led by Eugenio Barba offers world-class experimental theatre. Holstebro is the place for incredible creatures and exciting performances – both on the theatre’s own stage and as part of the town scenario on festive occasions. The Odin Theatre also tours around the world.

A swinging town

All schoolchildren, including 3rd grade, are offered the chance of learning to play a musical instrument free of charge. Holstebro Music School places instruments and teachers at the children’s disposal. This provides fertile soil for a thriving musical life that spans all musical genres. Holstebro is a large-scale supplier of musicians to Danish and foreign orchestras. Five per cent of the Royal Symphony Orchestra comes from the Holstebro Music School.