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	Our hometown Utrecht (NL) is to be European Capital of Europe in 2018. We always want to be involved in creative processes. And now we have started a (mandated) autonomous project to do research on the European Capital of Culture. The reason for this is that last year we have designed a book on the Cultural Middle Small Business Utrecht (CMKBU). This book included a lot of international writers. One of them was David Parrish. He had interviewed us for his book on creative entrepreneurship - T-shirts and Suits. When we met him again, he told us that he loved our way of working and finds it interesting what we do. He asked us if we would like to come over to Liverpool. Liverpool is this years European Capital of Culture (ECOC) and our hometown Utrecht wants to be European Capital of Culture in 2018. In collaboration with/mandated by de Vrede van Utrecht (the Peace of Utrecht) we're going to do research in our own (autonomous) way. We are trying to visualise the engagement of the people of Liverpool regarding the ECOC. What is wondering us: is the phenomenon of ECOC a party for the upperclass culture people or is it reaching every civilian of the Capital? In the end we are going to design a book/website/film/... on our results for the inhabitants of the city of Utrecht. It is to create a buzz on the coming of ECOC to Utrecht and to generate participation in this event. The European Capital has given Liverpool a chain of dynamism and a creativity boost, something we always want to be involved with. This will probably also take place in Utrecht, therefore, we are already trying to grasp this phenomenon and unleash it in Utrecht. Who is Autobahn? We are Autobahn - Maarten Dullemeijer (1982), Rob Stolte (1981) and Jeroen Breen (1981). Graduated from the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU), graphic design department in 2005 and we have since worked as an independent graphic design office. What kind of work enjoys our preference? 1. Overall Projects It is fantastic to take part of a creative project from the very first drawing until the final event. To create a creative and critical briefing, together with the clients wishes, and the client takes part in every step of the way; that is the ideal method of working for Autobahn. Several media and products can be adjusted, so together they're the best way to tell a story. 2. Creative sessions Autobahn likes to take part in creative sessions. To devise, develop and achieve ideas together is one of the best aspects of creative entrepreneurship. Meeting with creative people with new visions is a big plus. We have connections with Creative Booster and Whitespace. In addition, we initiate Blue Monday, a weekly opportunity for anyone with inspiration to brainstorm with us in our studio. It includes lunch and a game of football (provided good weather). 3. Autonomous work For new inspiration, we like to develop private projects. Also we train ourselves in generating publicity with these projects. We show the world our concerns and what we create. Even at these free projects we are working together with other creative people. Who is Treaty of Utrecht? Treaty of Utrecht is an independent foundation, an initiative of the municipality and province of Utrecht. Treaty of Utrecht is to build a cultural infrastructure and network that contribute to a continued strengthening of cultural life in the city and region and the development of a cultural program for 2013 and 2018, that is recognized and appreciated at local, national and international level. Program Lines A constant thread running through the programme is the relationship between culture and contemporary social issues such as war and peace, conflict and dialogue. Themes that are included in the program are: arts and culture as an engine of development, linking the city and region, innovation and talent, art and science, internationalization and education. Gaze into the future In 2013 it is 300 years ago that the peace in the Utrecht was signed in the Town Hall. Utrecht will be commemorating this with an international programme that will once again turn the eyes of Europe and the rest of the world to Utrecht. Utrecht also aims to become the European Cultural Capital in 2018, which is the next milestone after the commemoration of the Treaty of Utrecht. The City of Utrecht, the Province of Utrecht, Utrecht University and the business community have combined forces and are cooperating on the Treaty of Utrecht programme in preparation for the celebrations of 2018, which will comprise cultural activities, international meetings and big events. In this way, Utrecht will really put itself on the map, both nationally and internationally. Who is David Parrish? David Parrish helps creative businesses to become even more successful by bringing together creative people (the T-Shirts) with smart business thinking (the Suits). Successful creative enterprises integrate creativity and business. David offers an approach which brings together both creative passion and the best business practice. David is a business adviser, trainer and management consultant working with creative businesses and the agencies that support them. He helps his clients by drawing on his own experience as a creative entrepreneur combined with his knowledge as a specialist professional advisor. Sharing the best ideas about business with the international community of creative entrepreneurs goes hand in hand with David's work as an expert creative industries consultant providing business advice, training and consultancy in the UK - and world-wide.

© Autobahn 2008