In 2011, the biggest storytelling event in Estonian history will take place in Tallinn. Writers, musicians, artists and actors will tell, paint, sing and act out tales inspired by the sea, tales of Estonia and its people.

Storytelling gives birth to meaning and understanding. Our stories help to discover and preserve the image of a young Estonia as part of Europe. A story does not always have to be positive, just as life is not entirely positive. The hero of a story must conquer challenges, but in the process also undergo personal transformation. It is the same with the story of Estonia’s history: Estonia has often been at the crossroads of other cultures and this is clearly echoed in our stories, always in a lively and intriguing way.

The main theme of Tallinn 2011, Stories of the Seashore, encapsulates Estonian history and Tallinn’s location by the sea, which explains Estonia’s rich cultural diversity, contacts and conflicts. The larger theme is also organised into three smaller parts: Stories of Singing Together, Stories of the Living Old City, and Stories of Dreams and Surprises.

In 2011, Europe’s best stories will be told in Tallinn!

www.tallinn2011.ee