In 2010, Essen will represent Germany’s Ruhr region as the "European Capital of Culture". This is a title that the European Union has been conferring on selected European cities every year since 1985. The title is for one calendar year and its purpose is to strengthen the integration between member states through cultural events. In 2005, Essen became the first city to receive the title on behalf of an entire region, in this case the Ruhr region. E.ON Ruhrgas, which is based in Essen, is a main sponsor of RUHR.2010.

Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat, CEO of E.ON AG, has been involved in organizing the Capital of Culture year since fall 2008. As Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RUHR.2010 GmbH, he is committed to the program’s concept of a new metropolis: "That’s why we have resolved to pool the 53 towns and districts in the Ruhr and turn the region into a metropolis with a unique character. Culture has a particularly positive impact on this structural change. We have to use the attention we gain from the varied and vibrant Ruhr.2010 program to showcase this change and cement the new image of the region."

During the Capital of Culture year, the Ruhr region will be presenting its wide array of cultural treasures through numerous festivals, theater productions, concerts and exhibitions. As a main sponsor and long-time partner of the Museum Folkwang, we are contributing some special highlights to RUHR.2010 with two major art exhibitions.