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The Copenhagen Post, August 12 - September 01

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COPENHAGEN COOKING

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Your guide to the Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival 2016. Explore the tastes of global gastronomy

Celebrate with India as the country marks 69 years of independence, and discover why India is the best place to live

Learn Danish: Your backto-school guide on getting started at a language school this summer

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DANISH NEWS IN ENGLISH CPHPOST.DK VOL 19 ISSUE 27 12 August - 1 September 2016 FINN ÅRUP NIELSEN

NEWS There are block parties, and then there are bridge parties

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CP H AR T CR IT IQ UE

NEWS

Meet William Nielsen The ‘new Dane’ is a tall, disturbed individual who’s addicted to his phone

WHAT DO THE CAPI TAL’S INTE RNAT IONA L GALL ERIST S REAL LY THIN K ABOU T THE DANI SH ART SCEN E?

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KOSHYK

4-5

NEWS

Medal trail goes cold for hot-starting Danes

When they can’t hibernate, there’s nowhere to hide!

Just one gong and a third of the Olympics already gone

7 HISTORY

Grand-daddy of tennis A pioneer of the game and a progenitor to boot

18 PRINT VERSION ISSN: ONLINE VERSION ISSN:

2446-0184 2446-0192

9 771398 100009

CHRISTIAN WENANDE

I

T ALL STARTED so well for Denmark at the 2016 Olympic Games. And then, the winds of fortune changed. Jakob Fuglsang’s unexpected silver in the road cycling on the very first day in Rio had the Danish team dancing the samba with delight – a fantastic beginning to a games that the Danish sports association, DAI, expects to yield at least ten medals. But with nearly a week gone since the opening ceremony took place on August 5, the Danes seem to have stuttered to a bit of a halt, as no medals

have been secured since Fuglsang’s formidable effort. The pressure is slowly mounting, particularly in the swimming pool and on the sailing docks, where the Danes have endured a few early setbacks. Because, while the early exits of Caroline Wozniacki and Jonathan Groth in tennis and table tennis were expected, Denmark’s medals are expected to come via the water. And time is fleeting. So close, so far IN SWIMMING, Denmark came agonisingly close – 0.04 seconds to be exact – to a second medal when Mie Ø Nielsen finished fifth in the 100m backstroke, but Jeannette Ottesen, Rikke Møller Pedersen

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and Lotte Friis have all failed to make waves in their initial events. They may not have been their favoured events, but it just means that the pressure is even greater for them to perform in their choice races. Olympic disappointment looms once again for the Danish swim team. In sailing, Denmark’s main medal hopes – Jonas Høgh (men’s finn) and Anne-Marie Rindom (women’s laser radial) – both got off to cold starts. They’ve managed to claw their way back into contention, but they can’t afford any more mistakes. Should they do so, Denmark’s double-digit medal goal will be under threat in earnest.

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The good news FORTUNATELY, there’s plenty of action to come and the Danes could very well have had another medal by now had the rowing competitions not been postponed on Sunday and Wednesday due to bad weather. There are several Danes showing good form and at least one medal could be secure over the next few days. There have also been early bright spots elsewhere. The Danish handball team shrugged off a shaky first half against Argentina to romp to victory and then demolish Tunisia. Even the depleted football team could qualify for the knockout stage with a bit of luck. Who knows, could they pull a ’92 and go all the way?


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NEWS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

Monocle’s darling remains relatively dear

ONLINE THIS WEEK PLANS have been confirmed for Kronen Vanløse, a 59,000 sqm retail and residential complex that will open in Greater Copenhagen in the autumn of 2017. The ground floor will include shops, restaurants, cafes and recreational areas, while the other floors will consist of apartments. Some 65 percent of the retail space has been taken by the likes of Føtex and H&M.

Roma ruffling residents A TV2 LORRY report has drawn attention to the frustration local residents in Køge have felt with a Roma settlement at the seaside park Køge Bugt Strandpark. Residents have complained about litter, numerous parked cars, an increase in burglaries, human faeces and damaged, unhygienic toilets. Camping is not permitted at the park.

Silver expert in town

Cruise visitor increase SOME 740,000 cruise ship tourists are expected to visit Copenhagen this year – 60,000 more than in 2015 – according to figures from the Cruise Copenhagen Network. Some 850,000 are expected in 2017, 10,000 more than the record set in 2012.

LUCIE RYCHLA

C

OPENHAGEN has been ranked fourth on Monocle magazine’s top 25 most liveable cities list – a rise of six places on 2015 – and remains 24th in Mercer’s latest cost of living for expats survey. Innovative and inspiring MONOCLE described the city as “innovative and inspiring”, attributing its high ranking to a bicycle-friendly infrastructure, wide range of attractions (including harbour baths), Michelin star restaurants and seamless urban planning. “It seems the wheels – and not just those of the city’s 1,860 pearly white e-bikes – are turning,” wrote the magazine. “The high-flying Danish capital is, as ever, a sleek and happy place to live.” Copenhagen trailed in behind

THIS PAST week has seen large numbers of passengers deprived of their luggage at Copenhagen Airport. Either they have waited hours or been told their bags would be sent on. The airport blamed a short circuit in its system.

Running like in Rio

Monocle’s correspondent was in a cheerier mood this year

only Tokyo, Berlin and Vienna, outperforming Nordic capitals Stockholm (10th) and Helsinki (12th), while Oslo failed to make the top 25. More affordable than Asia MEANWHILE, Asian capitals dominated Mercer’s cost of living rankings this year, with Hong Kong at the top, followed by Angolan capital Luanda, Zurich, Singapore and Tokyo.

Oslo plummeted from 38th position to number 59, Helsinki slipped three places to 64th, while Stockholm jumped up the rankings from 106th place to 84th. Some of the cheapest cities for expats on the list, which comprised of 209 in total, included Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Windhoek (Namibia), Karachi (Pakistan), Tunis (Tunisia) and Skopje (Macedonia).

SINCE August 4, Copenhageners have been invited to leave their armchairs and enjoy a few Olympic moments of their own at the Copenhagen Running Festival. The action continues until August 18, and the full program is at cphrunfest.dk.

Bridge’s new lick of paint THE ØRESUND Bridge is getting a new coat of paint – its first since its opening 16 years ago. Between 2019 and 2032, two layers will be applied to its 300,000 sqm of steel – principally to combat corrosion.

There’s block parties, and then there’s bridge parties Inderhavnsbroen will officially open on August 19

P

UT FRIDAY August 19 in your diary as Inderhavnsbroen, the capital’s pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Amager to Nyhavn, is officially opening with a party to pay back the public for patiently waiting four years to use it. Copenhageners have been using the bridge since July 7, after the contractor Valmont SM confirmed the new bogie system was finally ready. Ferry farce HOWEVER, on July 31 it failed to open to let the Hven Ferry

pass through, leaving around 170 passengers stranded aboard for an hour before the operator decided to give up and turn around. “It’s grotesque,” ferry owner Kirsten Rønn Madsen told TV2 News. “This can have massive financial consequences for us. We’d been promised by the municipality and harbour operators By & Havn that this wouldn’t happen.” July highlights THE BRIDGE’S opening headlined a July in the capital that was rarely quiet – most notably in the city courts, where six Uber drivers were in a landmark ruling fined for illegally offering a taxi service.

Trouble with its opening, and now it has trouble ... opening

Elsewhere, Mathilde Grafström’s controversial nude photo exhibition finally opened at Nytorv, but has since closed; traffic on the Øresund Bridge was suspended after four cyclists entered its tunnel on

July 18; hundreds gathered on July 14 at Rådhuspladsen for a ‘Black Lives Matter’ rally; and Youth for Human Rights held a gathering on July 17 at Gammeltorv to celebrate Mandela Day. (BH)

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Late luggage at airport

ISTOCK

IF YOU thought the silver lining of this summer’s rain clouds was the late July warm spell, then think again! Throughout August, a silversmith is delivering a five-hour demonstration of craftsmanship every Friday afternoon (from 12:00) at the Georg Jensen flagship store at Amagertorv Square.

Copenhagen is expensive but an excellent place to live

ISTOCK

New Vanløse centre

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NEWS

12 August - 1 September 2016

Pope invited to come Torture risk ignored Champs at Airbnb

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ENRIK Dam Kristensen, the president of the Nordic Council (Nordisk Råds), has inquired about the possibility of Pope Francis making the opening address at the next meeting of the inter-parliamentary body at Christiansborg on November 1. The pope will be in Sweden in late October, visiting both Lund and Malmö as part of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. And it is believed he is holding a mass in Malmö on November 1, but the venue remains unconfirmed. Awaiting a final reply KRISTENSEN, the former employment minister, confirmed the inquiry to Ekstra Bladet, revealing that the Vatican had replied and requested a formal invitation, which the council has complied with. “Such a response normally means that it isn’t impossible that the Pope might visit, so we’re keenly waiting for the final answer,” he told the tabloid. Should Pope Francis come to open the meeting, he will become the first pontiff to visit Denmark for 27 years. (BH)

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HE DANISH authorities perform too few investigations into whether asylum-seekers risk being tortured before sending them home, according to the UN Committee Against Torture (UNCAT). Last year, just three asylumseekers in Denmark were sent to a torture investigation, according to a survey of the forensic institutes at the universities of Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhus by Berlingske newspaper – compared to 45 per year at the start of the 2000s. Not good enough “WE ARE not good enough at identifying the risk early,” Jens Modvig, the head of UNCAT, told Berlingske. “As a result we are not protecting asylumseekers from torture adequately.” Ultimately it is up to the refugee committee Flygtningenævnet and the immigration authority Udlændingestyrelsen to launch an investigation. (LR)

ONLINE THIS WEEK

C

ARINA Bregnholm Ren, an associate professor at Aalborg University, believes that the trusting nature of Danes is one of the reasons they rent out their homes on Airbnb more than Swedes and Norwegians. According to the online marketplace for vacation home rentals, the Danes are offering some 26,000 vacation homes for rent, while the Swedes have 13,000 listings in total and the Norwegians 12,700. Social media "IT SPREADS quickly on social media and the more people talk about it and participate in it, the more new people join," Ren told DR. International surveys reveal that Danes are some of the most trusting people in the world – from lending things out to friends and neighbours, to dutifully putting money in cashboxes for products sold by the roadside. (LR)

FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

Lego’s bambino in Rio

Dip in foreign fighters

FOR THE duration of the Olympic Games, visitors to the Boulevard Olímpico can admire a model of the 2016 host city entirely made up of 953,000 Lego bricks. It took 50 professional Lego builders 2,500 hours to produce, and it includes all the famous Rio landmarks. The model was then presented to Rio as a present from the Danish government.

THE NUMBER of Scandinavian fighters joining the Syrian and Iraqi civil wars is declining, report the intelligence services in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The fighters are increasingly being put off by the danger and brutality, and recruitment has in general become harder. In Sweden, the number more than halved in 2015, according to a report released in June.

Safe, secure, sodden THE NUMBER of Germans renting Danish summerhouses is set to reach its highest rate since the 1990s, according to Visit Denmark – primarily because the tourists perceive Denmark to be one of the safest countries in Europe. A 15 percent rise is expected this month compared to August 2015, while July saw a 6 percent rise. Germans account for 85 percent of all bookings.

Travel app launched MYSAFETRAVEL, a new app developed by Danish entrepreneur and security expert Kennet North Lien, provides travellers with around-the-clock travel risk alerts. The free app is the first of its kind and allows users to review security updates on events such as terrorist attacks, demonstrations, natural disasters and traffic issues in about 260 cities around the world.

Boost for travel firms CHARTER flights to holiday destinations in southern Europe sold out fast in July as Danes escaped the rainy summer. It was good news for holiday operators that had to significantly discount their offers in sunnier June. Greece was a popular destination along with the Spanish island of Mallorca, while Turkey and Egypt saw a downturn that has been blamed on recent terror attacks.

Pressure on Turkey JUDGE associations in Denmark and Norway asked their respective governments to put pressure on Turkey after the country issued arrest orders for nearly 3,000 judges and prosecutors in the wake of the coup attempt on July 15. The associations described Turkey’s action as a breach of the rule of law as well as judicial independence.

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ONLINE THIS WEEK Ugandan lesbian u-turn AS IS CUSTOMARY in high-profile media cases, the government has reversed a decision to deport three Ugandan women who sought asylum in Denmark because of their homosexuality following heavy criticism – most notably from LGBT Asylum, Alternativet and Enhedslisten. However, only one of the lesbians has been absolutely assured she won’t be sent home. Same-sex relations are illegal in Uganda and punishable with life in prison.

Boarding up a loophole THE AUTHORITIES are moving quickly to close a loophole that has allowed 20 international students to enter Denmark in the past 18 months and disappear. The international students – mostly from Nepal – all enrolled at folkehøjskoler, the 70 boarding schools that offer specialisation programs to students aged 18 to 24. Some of the missing students have been traced to Portugal.

Fined in camels THE FAMILY of 21-year-old law student Jonas Sekyere, who was stabbed to death in the Kødbyen nightclub Bakken in November 2012, found out last week that a Somali man has been found guilty of his murder, sentenced to 20 years in prison, and ordered to pay them 33 camels. Attempts to extradite Omer Hassan Sheik Muse from the Somalian region of Somaliland had all previously failed.

SOLO DANCE PERFORMANCE BY

ANDERS CHRISTIANSEN

NON VERBAL

EN ANDEN KROP

EXPERIMENTING WITH ARTIFICIAL LIFE

ANOTHER BODY

18, 19, 20 & 23, 24, 25 AUG 2016 Show starts at 19:00 / Saturday at 17:00

Info and tickets: www.dansehallerne.dk


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COVER

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

PILLARS TO THE POST: AN INTER F

OR TEN days from August 26, the annually held, publicallyfunded Cph Art Week (see page 22 for details) will celebrate high-quality contemporary art, both from the Danish and international art scenes. Throughout the years, Copenhagen has never run out of artists who want to create and exhibit their work in the city. But, like Atlas, who are the bearers of this heavenly art? Who are the pillars that provide the artists with the

opportunity to express themselves? For the love of art IT IS OF course the gallery owners who make it possible, thanks to their love of art – and an eye for business. As Copenhagen increasingly finds itself as a fixture on the international art scene, we asked five foreign gallery owners why they decided to open an art gallery here and what they think of Cph Art Week.

KERRY HARM-NIELSEN Nationality: New Zealand Gallery: KANT, St Kongensgade 3, Cph K In Denmark: 25 years Gallery opened: 2004

HOW EASY WAS IT OPENING A GALLERY HERE AS AN INTERNATIONAL?

Like starting any business it takes time to build up a client base. Contemporary art is international by nature and it´s definitely not a problem that you’re not Danish. People respond according to what you present and not where you are from. Good art is good art.

ARE THERE ENOUGH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS IN DENMARK, OR ARE THE DANES MISSING OUT?

There are many very good international exhibitions in Denmark. The art scene is vibrant and ambitious.

DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHER GALLERY OWNERS?

We collaborate with several international galleries and share artists with two galleries in Berlin.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

More international art fairs where we can present our collaborating artists. It´s through the fairs that we widen our collector and institutional base.

IN GENERAL, WILL ART EVER INTEREST THE AVERAGE MAN IN THE STREET, OR WILL IT ALWAYS BE THE PRESERVE OF THE ELITE AND THE INTELLIGENTSIA?

Contemporary art is elite and it will remain that way. People just can´t expect to be able decode new art – they must invest time and visit exhibitions. It´s only through the act of seeing and the wish to gain insight that you develop a reference base, which is the key to open complicated art practices and artworks. But this act strengthens the art experience. As the American, Swedish-based artist Clay Ketter writes “What one thinks ones sees and what one actually sees vibrate against each other, creating fission, which in turn triggers reflection.” For some it can be completely overwhelming. Art has never been more accessible, yet simultaneously has probably never been more complex and multi-referential.

ERIC PRINCE Nationality: US Gallery: Prince Gallery, Hauser Plads 16A, Cph K In Denmark: One year Gallery opened: 2015

WHY DENMARK?

I moved to Copenhagen for love. I opened an art gallery for my love of art.

HOW DO YOUR EXHIBITIONS COMPARE TO THOSE AT OTHER ART GALLERIES IN COPENHAGEN?

I consciously make it a point to allow the artists to do their vision and curation of the exhibition. I only help when asked. I think I exhibit art that does represent what is contemporary and is actually happening within the now. Unfortunately, I see many galleries and gallerists who want to put their influence too much into the mix.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ART SCENES OF DENMARK AND YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

Denmark has an interesting and fascinating art scene. One, I like the level of comfort most artists have here that allows them the confidence and time to explore – this is a positive side of a smaller community with good funding. Of course, the flipside to that is you have a bunch of bureaucracy that artists have to navigate and play nice to receive support. The USA has decent art funding; however, most of it is private and artists there hustle in every sense of the term to make a living. This can be very difficult and push artists out of the industry and into other jobs that ‘pay the bills’. On the other hand, it can sometimes help make the art stronger. I see great talent and art in both Denmark and the USA.

WHAT COULD DENMARK LEARN FROM THE ART SCENE IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

Honestly, I would say be more independent in thought. This is a trick

answer for I like the qualities of people working together or the ‘village’ mentality that Denmark seems to cultivate; however, it can have an effect of people ‘all swimming in the same direction’.

ARE THERE ENOUGH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS IN DENMARK, OR ARE THE DANES MISSING OUT?

Great question, and one I have had to deal with on a financial level. Obviously, the known museums here provide fantastic international exhibitions. Private galleries are up against more costs to bring unknown international artists to the scene. The problem is new international artists have little to no recognition and little to no sales don’t help or encourage a gallery to keep taking chances and spending more to bring international talent into the Danish scene.

LAST YEAR, THE COPENHAGEN POST QUESTIONED WHETHER THE PUBLICALLY-FUNDED CPH ART WEEK WAS ACCESSIBLE ENOUGH TO THE PUBLIC. IS THIS A FAIR QUESTION TO ASK?

Right, if you want it totally accessible make admissions to the fairs free of charge.

IN GENERAL, WILL ART EVER INTEREST THE AVERAGE MAN IN THE STREET, OR WILL IT ALWAYS BE THE PRESERVE OF THE ELITE AND THE INTELLIGENTSIA?

Yes, I think the arts continue to grow in interest through new mediums and media. The greatest gift we can give to the next generations of young people is education for all. Obviously, the arts are a part of the equation and will continue to grow and promote humanity. I have never thought that the arts were reserved for the ‘elite’ or ‘intelligentsia’. That notion is in my opinion a misconception, for art is everywhere in many forms, from commercial applications and installations to visiting free museums and galleries.


COVER

12 August - 1 September 2016

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NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON ART SOLOMON E LYTTLE Nationality: British Gallery: Black Pop gallery, Gyldenløvesgade 19, Cph K In Denmark: Too long! Gallery opened: 2010

LAST YEAR, THE COPENHAGEN POST QUESTIONED WHETHER THE PUBLICALLY-FUNDED CPH ART WEEK WAS ACCESSIBLE ENOUGH TO THE PUBLIC. IS THIS A FAIR QUESTION TO ASK?

The main focus should be on the public and not on elite circles. Everybody pays taxes and therefore everybody should be able to participate and get inspired. Maybe someone comes to a gallery and sees a Banksy and thinks: “He’s good but I could do it much better.” That is how art is supposed to be created.

the public, and that is also where all art comes from and should come from – that’s why we should give them a chance.

CHANGES MADE TO CPH ART WEEK?

They should have learned from the past when the elite wanted to sweep the trends of the lower classes under the carpet. If we had listened to them, there would be no hip-hop today for example.

WHAT COULD DENMARK LEARN FROM THE ART SCENE IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

Denmark is lacking an inclusive attitude, both towards the public and new artists. Most of the people in control are very old fashioned and not aware enough of new potential. The purpose of art is for

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ANY

HOW DO YOUR EXHIBITIONS COMPARE TO THOSE AT OTHER ART GALLERIES IN COPENHAGEN?

We as a gallery try to give room to underdogs – artists with great ideas who want to become big. And we have experienced that the curators are rejecting these ideas and think we are crazy for doing that. Then they start telling us how many famous names they could get for their art fairs and exhibitions. That is not how Denmark’s art scene can move forward.

ELÍZABETH TORRES Nationality: American-Colombian Gallery: Red Door, Heinesgade 13, Cph N In Denmark: 3 years Gallery opened: 2015

WHY DENMARK?

MIRA SKADEGAARD THORSEN Nationality: Danish-American – Grew up in US. Gallery: GLOBAL ART Gallery, Skalbakken 8A, Vanløse In Denmark: 28 years Gallery opened: 2016

WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO OTHER PROSPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL GALLERY OWNERS IN DENMARK?

Work on networking and have patience.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE ARTISTS WHO EXHIBIT IN YOUR GALLERY?

We are concerned with work that speaks to us and which speaks to our human rights-based approach. Words like access and representation are central. We hope the artists we work with are critical, provocative and think about their positions and perspectives, both in regard to

their work and those that observe or are influenced by it. We think it is important that artists reflect on their position and privilege (or lack thereof ) and how this contributes or influences the way they work. Who does their work speak to?

IN GENERAL, WILL ART EVER INTEREST THE AVERAGE MAN ON THE STREET, OR WILL IT ALWAYS BE THE PRESERVE OF THE ELITE AND THE INTELLIGENTSIA?

There is no ‘man (or woman) on the street’. Human beings are all reflecting beings. So, I think the answer to this lies in the definition of art.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ANY CHANGES MADE TO CPH ART WEEK?

That CPH Art Week more explicitly deals with its potential and actual adverse impacts on human rights, and communicates about it.

There is a wonderful community of artists here who have become like my family. In 23 April 2015, I married Henrik Malm, a musician, and have been full-time in Denmark since we met.

WHAT IS THE UNDERLYING AMBITION OF YOUR GALLERY?

To offer an alternative space for artists to exchange ideas, interact and develop new projects, exhibit their latest work and support one another. To have a space where poetry, art, music, and performance thread together and provide free access to the community for our events.

WHICH ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED AS AN INTERNATIONAL GALLERY OWNER?

I am of course still experiencing the language barrier, although going to school has truly helped me overcome that, very slowly. Another barrier is just the typical culture shock you face when you move to a new city ... but I find challenges exciting.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE ART COLLECTORS WHO BUY FROM YOUR GALLERY?

They come from all backgrounds, as we try to also have a variety of products and prices. It also varies from show to show as we do not limit ourselves to a specific style or demographic.

DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHER GALLERY OWNERS?

Yes! Galleries, and local shops, as well as individuals, chefs, cultural houses and other venues.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE ARTISTS WHO EXHIBIT IN YOUR GALLERY?

We have a group of members who propose the artists and approve our exhibitions.

IN GENERAL, WILL ART EVER INTEREST THE AVERAGE MAN IN THE STREET, OR WILL IT ALWAYS BE THE PRESERVE OF THE ELITE AND THE INTELLIGENTSIA?

Art has always interested the average man. Whoever thinks otherwise needs to get off the pedestal and take a long walk and look around. It is true that art is also a gigantic business for collectors and galleries everywhere, but that does not exclude anyone from being sensitive enough to understand it and be moved by it.


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NEWS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ONLINE THIS WEEK Pokémon discovery A DECOMPOSING corpse discovered by a Pokémon Go player on Lodsvej in Odense on July 19 turned out to be a 41-year-old man with a criminal record well known to the local police. Meanwhile, players of the game have been blamed for ruining the tranquillity of a playground on Smyrnavej in Amager by taking it over to hang out, smoke and eat pizza.

Shortage of clergy DENMARK’S ten dioceses are struggling to fill vacancies at local churches. In some cases, vacancies are advertised up to 60 times – with no takers. The shortage is being felt just as much in Aarhus and Copenhagen as the regions. Meanwhile, church members will be able to receive free and anonymous pastoral care online from next January thanks to a 8.3 million kroner initiative.

More driverless buses FOUR MONTHS on from the news that Aalborg is considering the introduction of a driverless bus on a 1.6 km route by 2018, the nearby municipality of Vesthimmerland is also planning to use autonomous electric shuttle buses for public transport. It noted the drivers’ time could be better spent elsewhere. Testing on public roads will begin in September.

Red-light turn approval FROM SEPTEMBER 1, cyclists in Denmark will be allowed to take right turns at red lights at 33 selected intersections around the country following a successful two-year trial that found the veto improved flow and safety at the junctions. Eleven of them were in the suburb of Greater Copenhagen.

Private daycare surge THE NUMBER of private daycare centres more than doubled from 243 in 2007 to 512 in 2014, according to the Ministry for Children, Education and Gender Equality, with attendance numbers jumping from 6,800 to 18,000. Meanwhile, the number of municipal daycare centres fell by 20 percent to 2,645 during the same period.

12 August - 1 September 2016

So who is the average Dane? A compilation of this summer’s stories reveals a tall, violent, disturbed individual who’s addicted to their phone BEN HAMILTON

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OU CAN find out a lot about the average Dane reading the newspaper over the summer, but what can we expect from the next generation? Let’s catch up with the Jensens of the future – or should that be Nielsens, now it’s become the country’s most common surname? William and Sofia IN A GENERATION’S time, young Danish adults will most likely be called William and Sofia. Noah, Lucas, Emil, Oliver, Freya, Ella, Alma and Anna will also be commonplace. The Williams of the future will be tall and a little higher than today’s average 18-yearold who is 181.4 cm, number five in the world. ‘Sofia’ will be hoping to climb from seventh place at 167.2 cm. But they’ll have some way to catch the Dutch men and Latvian women – the world’s tallest people. Studying … their phone THERE’S a good chance they’ll go to university. A record 66,439 students have been admitted this

year. In total, there were 94,766 applicants. Although their mobile phones will distract them from their studies. Danes check them an average 2.5 times per hour. Some 17 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds check them at least 10 times per hour. Checking their phones is a contributor to the 20 percent increase in accidents caused by distracted drivers over the past five years. In total, checking or texting caused 40 percent of all traffic accidents last year.

Leave them anywhere WILL THEY be better parkers? Increasing numbers of motorists in Aarhus and Copenhagen are parking illegally and failing to pay fines. The surge has coincided with a decision to replace SKAT’s old IT system. And will they clean their act up? Some 72.2 percent of Danes would like to see stiffer penalties for people who drop rubbish in public spaces. Today, litter louts can get a fine of up to 1,000 kroner. However, only 36 offenders have been penalised over the last eight years and only one person got a fine in 2015. Let’s hope they don’t abandon their pets like their wrappers. At the end of June, the animal welfare organisation Dyrenes Beskyttelse rescued 833 animals

– twice more than in the months of February, March and April combined. Neighbours at work NEIGHBOURLY disputes are more likely. One in four Danes has one – a large rise over the past five years, normally over noise. And they’ll need to be wary of the women, as for the first time ever, an equal number of men and women were convicted of involuntary manslaughter or bodily harm last year. The number of women guilty of a violent offence has increased from 186 in 1980 to 1,106 in 2015. The strain of life AND IT turns out half of all Danish women aged 18-34 are struggling with some form of psychological problem. And not enough is being done to address problems among the young. Overall, a record number of Danes are seeking emergency psychiatric help. Compared to 20 years ago, the number has risen from 12,099 in 1995 to 33,333 in 2015. But on a cheery note, at least they are less likely to drown. Numbers have been on the slide since 2009, and currently only 51 people die a year due to drowning. Alcohol tends to play a role in 30 percent of the cases.

Welcome to Dick ... Sperm ... Hell

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OU’RE TWO German female hikers and you’re looking for Dick? And afterwards Sperm? And finally you want to go to Hell?” No, the Danish Lutheran church isn’t preaching again, it’s the locals helping tourists with directions, and no wonder, because somebody keeps on

stealing the ‘naughty’ signposts. From Lem (dick), Tarm (intestines) and Sæd (sperm) to Helved (hell) and Middlefart, the town signs are highly sought after. Replaced regularly SAFEROAD Daluiso, the largest supplier of signs in Denmark,

has noticed that local authorities order certain signs more often than others. “Signs with funny names are ordered more often,” said Saferoad Daluiso managing director Gregers Münter. “Sometimes we aren’t sure why we are resending a sign that we’ve just sent out.” (RW)

Prison guards targeted

Against circumcision

Car ban proposed

VIOLENCE against prison officers in Denmark is on the rise and politicians are calling for tighter penalties. In the first half of 2016, some 274 violent and threat incidents targeting prison guards were recorded – a 34 percent increase on 2015. A guard was recently shot multiple times in the leg in an attack outside Nyborg state prison on Funen.

NINE OUT of ten Danes would ban the ritual circumcision of boys, reveals a survey by Megafon for Politiken and TV2 – an increase from the 74 percent who rejected it in a YouGov poll in 2014. Jair Melchior, the chief rabbi in Denmark, said a prohibitive law would be “an anti-Semitic act”. In 2013, between 1,000 and 2,000 boys were circumcised.

ALTERNATIVET has proposed stopping the importation of diesel and petrol vehicles into Denmark by 2025, instead advocating for the usage of electric cars. The Federation of Danish Motorists told TV2 the proposal was a “nonsense”. In other motoring news, the new Køge Bay motorway should be finished by the end of 2017, it has been announced.

ONLINE THIS WEEK Rejection questioned IN JULY the media widely reported the case of Tariqul Islam Shajib, a Bangladeshi student at Aarhus University, who was denied permanent residency due to a technicality related to some overseas studies. Some work in China as part of his PhD research violated a clause in the Aliens Consolidation Act – a rule that Shah claims was not made clear by the authorities.

War veteran crisis A GROWING number of Danish war veterans and their relatives have been reaching out to counselling organisations for help with their psychological problems in the last two months. In the last three years alone, the number of soldiers declared unfit for duty because of PTSD or other psychological problems has increased by 60 percent.

DF beats drum for DR DANSK Folkeparti has proposed DR should dispose of ‘X Factor’ and include more jazz and folk music in a bid to cut its annual budget by 700 million kroner to 3 billion moving on from 2018. High executive salaries were also queried. It is believed there is general support amongst the blue bloc parties ahead of the negotiations for a new media agreement.

Language clash classes AS SCHOOLS reopened on Monday, classrooms in 23 of the 75 municipalities polled by TV2 welcomed refugee students regardless of their Danish skills. The remainder will offer language tuition before placing them in classes, while 23 of the country’s 98 municipalities did not comment. Unions and MPs questioned the wisdom of the decision.

Mafia on our doorstep ‘MAFIAEN Kommer’, a new book released on July 16, draws attention to how Italian criminal activities are active in Denmark. “I want to tell readers what the mafia really is and what Europe’s responsibilities are,” author Morten Beiter told CPH POST. Beiter lived and worked in different parts of Italy for 17 years researching the book.


12 August - 1 September 2016

ONLINE THIS WEEK Free-range, short life PROFESSOR Peter Sandøe, a former chairman of the animal ethics council Dyreetisk Råd, has told DR that free-range hens are three times more likely to die before slaughter than battery caged hens. Some 10 percent are killed in conditions Sandøe described as contrary to their nature – most often pecked to death – compared to 3.5 percent in the cages.

Antibiotic use lauded A EU COMMISSION report has commended Denmark’s efforts to tackle problems associated with resistant bacteria. The report commended initiatives the Danish agriculture and food authority Fødevarestyrelsen has to reduce the use of antibiotics in pigs, including a yellow card warning system for farmers who use too many.

Libya plan expected DANISH participation is expected in an international maritime operation to remove chemical weapons from Libya. On July 22, the UN Security Council passed a resolution that confirmed the need to remove the remains of the north African nation’s cache with the help of the international community.

Poisoned by fungus THREE men in early August ended up in hospital after eating the toxic fly green agaric mushroom, Denmark’s most poisonous fungus. Two Romanians and an Italian mistook it as an edible near Horsens in Jutland and afterwards had stomach pains and hallucinations. As little as 30 grams can kill adult, and the Italian nearly died.

NEWS

Paragons and pariahs Naturists rejoice at the return of long-lost animals whilst loading their guns to dispose of the undesirables

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S THERE less animal news during the winter when many of them are hibernating? Probably! Especially when some of them have been unseen for decades like the yellow swallowtail butterfly and golden jackal. Both sighted in Jutland, a caterpillar of the papilio machaon, which has not been seen for 40 years, was found in Hodsager Plantage in west Jutland, while a jackal (they tend to only weigh 7-15 kg) was photographed in Lille Vildmose in Himmerland – the first in Denmark. All in all, it’s been a busy summer for nature specialists! Bird flu returns NOT LEAST because bird flu is back, firstly detected among a flock of mallard ducks at Brenderup farm in western Funen in July, and then at a mallard duck farm near the north Jutland town of Nibe last weekend. While thousands

of birds have been killed at both locations to stop the spread, this particular strain is not harmful to humans. Extermination time DESPITE their unwelcome gift, there are no plans to exterminate the mallard ducks. The same can’t be said of the 12 invasive species present in Denmark that have been included on an EU eradication list. All 12 – in total, there are 37 such species across Europe – have a negative impact on natural biodiversity. They are the raccoon, coypu, signal crayfish, Chinese mitten crab, red-eared slider, sacred ibis, muntjac deer, ruddy duck, topmouth gudgeon and green cabomba, plus two plants: Persian hogweed and western skunk cabbage.

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HE NATIONAL Museum is struggling to cope with the high number of archaeological finds it needs to process. By law, all treasure troves belong to the state, although the finders are entitled to a fee. However, in some cases, they have been waiting years to receive one.

ONLINE THIS WEEK Rise of the flexitarian

Cows on the block MEANWHILE, another EU directive, this time regarding greenhouse gas emissions, could require Denmark to reduce its number of cows and pigs to reduce the amount of methane they produce. Experts contend that Denmark must at the very least reduce its cow numbers to in turn cut its emissions by 39 percent by 2030.

DANISH supermarket Coop and Dansk Supermarked from 2014-15 recorded a 25-30 percent increase in sales of vegetarian and vegan substitutes for meat and dairy, such as soybean sausages, tofu, falafel and burger patties made from lentils. The increase reflects the rise in flexitarians – people who occasionally eat meat or fish.

Monkeying around ELSEWHERE, in other animal-related news, stories about thriving birds were commonplace, from the growing colonies on the Øresund Bridge’s artificial island Peberholm to the hatching of white-tailed eagle and osprey chicks in Gribskov forest in northern Zealand. And not to be outdone, a troop of 24 squirrel monkeys briefly thrived in the wild after escaping from their enclosure at Odense Zoo on Saturday. Zookepers did not have to look far and lured them back with larvae and pieces of fruit. (CPH POST)

HEALTH sector employees are increasingly being reported to the police for illegally checking the records on non-patients via the medical database. Last year, 21 personnel were fined between 4,000 and 15,000 kroner each – up from just seven between 2011 and 2014. And there were a further 50 cases that did not become police matters.

National Museum doesn’t dig it! With 11,000-12,000 treasure troves to process this year, the institution’s resources are being severely tested

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Long wait for loot FOR EXAMPLE, Bent Gregersen and Frank Pelle, who discovered 350 coins and a gold ring on Bornholm, have been waiting more than two years to receive their fee. In 2015, some 9,756 items were filed and the museum paid out 4.2 million kroner to the finders. And this year, an estimated 11,000-12,000 treasure troves will need to be processed.

Hot finds AMONG the more interesting finds over the summer were a cannonball found at a construction site in Klubiensvej in the Copenhagen district of Nordhavn. It was detonated and unsurprisingly no fee will be paid. While in Aars in northeastern Jutland, a mysterious New Stone Age construction has been discovered that includes the remains of a 170 cm deep well, which contains a lot of burnt bone fragments. (LR)

Home over hospital

Stomach meds worry

Shooting star season

Electric car sales dip

TWICE as many Danish women are to giving birth at home as five years ago. Some 1,128 women chose the option last year – 2 percent of all births. According to experts, many mothers associate hospitals with illness and feel safer at home. Nordic Home Birth contends home births are less likely to require stimulation or caesarian sections.

DOCTORS are worried that the number of Danes taking medication to neutralise their stomach acid has almost doubled since 2000, reports DR. According to medstat.dk, the Sundhedsstyrelsens database, 596,294 people were treated in 2015 – up from 301,876 in 2000. The medication should only be prescribed, warn doctors, as an absolute last resort.

IF THE cloud-cover breaks up this weekend, the annual summer appearance of the Perseid meteor shower – which comes with a large number of extra bright shooting stars – should be a good one as the moon is in a crescent phase that will enhance the view. The shower, which consists of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, should peak between August 11 and 13.

TWO OUT of every three municipalities have started buying fewer electric cars, according to a survey by energy firm E.ON. The municipalities mainly blame the return of the registration tax, which stands at 20 percent this year and will be completely payable by 2020. In the first quarter of 2016, they purchased or leased just 62 electric cars – compared to 323 last year.

Invasive snooping

Alternative thinking EIGHT out of 10 Danes are interested in using some form of alternative medicine, and the majority believe it can be just as effective as traditional medicine, according to a survey by TrygFonden and the research centre Mandag Morgen. Some 67 percent believe the health service should be more open to alternative healing practices such as homeopathy and acupuncture.

Tap legislation worries THE TRANSPORT and construction minister, Hans Christian Schmidt, has been criticised for passing legislation in July that allows foreign taps and other water installations to be sold in Denmark. Critics warn the quality of drinking water will deteriorate due to an influx of carcinogenic chemicals in taps that do not meet local quality standards.

Foetus rights failing THE MINISTRY of Health has announced that women who undergo an abortion in Denmark must be informed about the possibility of receiving the aborted foetus. In some hospitals, the common practice is to dispose of foetuses with other hospital waste and women haven’t been allowed to take them even if they asked.


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NEWS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

Bumper week for Brøndby ONLINE THIS WEEK

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ENMARK stands at the top of the UEFA Coefficient standings for 2016-17 thanks to the performances of its four teams: FC Copenhagen in the Champions League (CL), and Brøndby, SønderjyskE and FC Midtjylland in the Europa League (EL). All four sailed through the penultimate round of qualifying last week and stand within one tie of making it to their respective group stages. FC Copenhagen saw off Romanian champs Astra Giurgiu 3-0 in a first half display its coach Ståle Solbakken called the best display since, the 2010-11 season. The Lions award is a tie against Cypriot champs APOEL FC, who knocked them out last year. Defeat would place them in the EL group stage. Brilliant Brøndby AND WHILE SønderjyskE and FC Midtjylland saw off Polish outfit Zaglebie Lubin and Hungarian team Videoton to respectively draw Czech team Sparta Prague and Turkish sur-

prise act Osmanlispor, it was Brøndby that most impressed. They needed to win by two goals against Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin to overturn a 0-1 loss in Germany and duly beat them 3-1 thanks to a hattrick by Finnish striker Teemu Pukki. Their reward is Greek giant Panathanaikos. On the move IN RELATED news, FCM have offloaded star asset Pione Sisto to La Liga outfit Celta Vigo for an undisclosed sum. In turn the Jutlanders have signed former Dutch international Raymond van der Vaart. The move sees him leave Real Betis to join his girlfriend – Estavana Polman, a pro handball player for Esjberg – in Jutland. Former FCM player Viktor Fischer, meanwhile, has left Ajax to join Middlesbrough for 5 million euros, and Pierre-Emile Køjbjerg has joined Southampton from Bayern Munich for an estimated 60 million kroner. (CW)

FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

Hawking in town

A trail of success

EXPAND your theory on everything when world-famous scientist Stephen Hawking visits Copenhagen on August 24 to deliver a lecture entitled ‘Quantum black holes’ at the DR Concert Hall.

TRAILERPARK Festival has called it a day after ten years of music, art and technology. Its founder Carla Cammilla Hjort said the festival had “never been more popular” and that it felt right to go out “at the top”.

Period of reflection

Lynchian horror film

THE 166-YEAR-OLD Rubjerg Knude Fyr lighthouse, which was abandoned in 1992 due to its erosion by sand, is no longer a light sender, but a light reflector. A kaleidoscope has been added to the lighthouse located on the northwestern shore of Jutland.

SHELLEY, an atmospheric Danish horror film – no relation to Mary or Percy – has made an encouraging stateside start following a limited theatre release on July 29. It has been hailed as “Rosemary’s Baby by way of David Lynch” by Indiewire.

Borgen for the bodice

A winning combo

BORGEN star Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, 34, has landed a leading role in a new Broadway production of ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’. Sørensen will play Madame de Tourvel, the role filled by Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1988 film ‘Dangerous Liaisons’.

BOTH TIVOLI and Strömma, the operator behind City Sightseeing and Canal Tours, have hinted that tickets for the themepark will in the future be combined with rides on Copenhagen’s canals and tour buses. The combo is a “top choice” among tourists, noted Tivoli.

THIS WEEK’S DATES AUGUST 14 ØRESUND BRIDGE APPROVED

Twenty-five years ago today, Parliament approved the decision to build a 7.845 km bridge connecting Copenhagen to Malmö in Sweden. Øresundsbroen opened to the public in 2000 and is Europe’s longest bridge that combines both road and rail. (GD)

AUGUST 20 CELEBRATING WITH RAINBOWS

The Pride Parade is celebrating its 20th birthday. It all began in June 1996 when Copenhagen hosted Europride, a LGBT event hosted by a new European city every year. Since then the capital has celebrated the LGBT community every year in August with Copenhagen Pride. (MR)

AUGUST 26 AARHUS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF

For ten days, Aarhus will be hosting a number of different cultural events. Its main festival has been an annual event for over 50 years. While the food festival attracts over 30,000 people. (GD)

Copenhagen, 1st August

The Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Copenhagen intends to recruit 1 employee (m/f) on local contract in Denmark

69TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE The Embassy of India in Copenhagen will be celebrating the the 69th Anniversary of India’s Independence on Monday 15th August, 2016 at the Embassy, located at Vangehusvej 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø. Shri Rajeev Shahare, Ambassador of India will unfurl the National flag at 0900hrs., followed by singing of the National Anthem and reading of the Address of Hon’rable President of India to the Nation. Light refreshments will be served after the function. All members of the Indian community and Persons of Indian Orgin (PIOs) and Friends of India are welcome to attend the function.

Required profile: •

Secondary (or equivalent) education (studentereksamen) accomplished;

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Fluency in English and French;

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Common IT and computer skills (word,excel,powerpoint etc.);

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Sense of initiative and organisation as well as ability to work both in a team and independently.

The knowledge of the Danish language would be an advantage. Availability of the position: 1st September 2016. Applications, including a curriculum vitae, copies of relevant diplomas and a photo- ID, should be send to the Embassy of Luxemberg, Fridtjof Nansens Plads 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, by 19th August 2016, at the latest. A properly scanned full version of the application, including all above-mentioned documents, may also be sent to: copenhagen.amb@mae.eatat.lu

For further information, potential candidates may contact the Embassy by calling (+45) 35268200.


BUSINESS

12 August - 1 September 2016

ONLINE THIS WEEK Stadium calls it a day SWEDISH sports chain Stadium is pulling out of Denmark. Despite success in Sweden, Finland and Germany, it could not turn an overall profit at its eight stores in Fields, Lyngby Storcenter, Fisketorvet, Rødovre Centrum, Glostrup Centret and RO’s Torv in Roskilde. Jutlandbased sports chain Sport24 is taking them over from October 1.

Maersk lays off 122 MAERSK Drilling has laid off 122 employees after one of its rigs, the Maersk Valiant, lost a contract prematurely. The rig, which operates in the Gulf of Mexico, had been leased out to ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil since 2014 in a contract due to last until September 2017.

Bios declares bankruptcy DUTCH ambulance provider Bios, the main contractor in southern Jutland and in Funen since last September, has filed for bankruptcy. Beset by problems from the start, it failed to adequately succeed its rival Falck, struggling with recruitment, providing the agreed number of ambulances and the payback of an erroneous payment from Region Syddanmark.

Optimistic about 2016 Despite some uncertainty, companies like DONG Energy, Pandora, Novo Nordisk and Nordea have posted solid interim reports

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BUSY MONTH for interim results has seen a number of Denmark’s highest-profile companies post healthy figures. DONG ding a ling LEADING the way was DONG Energy with its first figures since its flotation in June, which revealed a 19 percent rise in its operating profit to 12.4 billion kroner thanks to strong growth in its wind power division, which accounts for about 70 percent of its earnings. Net profits nearly doubled from 3.6 to 6.4 billion kroner, while the company’s net debt fell from 9.2 billion kroner in December to 3.8 billion at the end of June. Its EBITDA outlook for 2016 is 20-23 billion kroner. Pandora knocked DESPITE unveiling a second

quarter financial result that showed double-digit growth in all its regions, jeweller Pandora was left disappointed in terms of previous estimates, and its shares slipped following the announcement. The company experienced growth in all its regions – but only of 20 percent in Q2 compared to 41.4 percent in 2015.

own expectations, delivering 36.5 billion kroner in revenue – a decrease of only 7 percent compared to the same period last year despite Brexit and being implicated by the Panama Papers. The bank had to write off 944.7 million kroner on loans and ended the first half of 2016 with a net profit of 7.4 billion kroner.

Novo’s hot earner BIOTECH giant Novo Nordisk’s interim turnover increased by 5 percent to 54.7 billion kroner, thanks in a large part to its insulin product Tresiba enjoying a 161 percent increase in sales. Its net profit increased by 7 percent to 19.4 billion kroner as the firm sold diabetes medicine for 42.8 billion kroner and other products – such as growth hormones and medication for blood disorders – for 11.8 billion kroner.

Legoland thriving LEGOLAND parks around the world are thriving, according to its 2016 interims. Revenue increased 11.1 percent compared to 2015. There are currently six Legoland parks around the world, including the original one in Billund, with three more on the way in Dubai (opens 2016), Japan (2017) and South Korea (2018). Its owner Merlin Entertainment operates over 100 attractions in 23 countries, including Sea Life aquariums, the Alton Towers themepark and the Madame Tussauds museums. (CPH POST)

Nordea overcomes NORDEA Bank’s financial results for the second quarter of 2016 have surpassed the bank’s

... little hope left for the summer is particularly popular, and in Japan.

FEWER Danish manufacturers are taking three weeks of production downtime during July, bringing an end to a tradition that saw most take time off. Last year, output was down just 8.5 percent on normal according to Statistics Denmark, compared to 18 percent in 2000. Danes have the right to three consecutive weeks’ holiday between May 1 and September 30.

Meat producers, campsites, resort retailers and outdoor parks all taking a hammering HE POOR summer has seen Danes have fewer barbecues, thus impacting heavily Danish Crown’s meat fresh sales. The producer told globalmeatnews.com the period was unusually quiet, but rescued somewhat by some good trade results in China, where the consumption of pork

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Staying indoors CAMPSITES, outdoor summer parks and retailers located at holiday resorts have also lost out due to cloudy and rainy weather. Following on from a healthy June, a significant decline in visitors has led to fewer sales of meat, beer and ice cream, as more Danes chose to holiday abroad.

Puffing away IF ANYTHING, beer was hoping to bounce back from a poor 2015 that saw sales decrease from 2014. Some 44.6 million litres of beer, wine, spirits and alcopops were consumed in 2015, according to Danmarks Statistik, with spirits sales actually increasing. Cigarettes sales also rose – for the first time in five years – from 5.6 to 5.8 billion, but cigar and cigarillo sales fell heavily by exactly a third. (CPH POST)

E-commerce booming

Building business

Donkey kicks on

Fined for fake invoices

DANISH e-commerce has broken through the 100 billion kroner mark, reports Dansk Erhverv. Based on figures from Nets, Danes have traded online for 103 billion kroner over the past year, which means that, on average, every Dane has spent about 18,000 kroner on the web. Ecommerce now accounts for 10 percent of the total retail trade turnover in Denmark.

AS DANISH exports continue to rise, so has the number of new construction projects launched outside its borders. According to a report from Dansk Byggeri, Danish companies enjoyed a turnover of almost 4.4 billion kroner last year – an increase of 9.5 percent on 2014. However, while the firms are thriving in Europe, it is less easy in Middle East and Africa.

THE COPENHAGENBASED bike sharing/rental company Donkey Republic is investing 11.1 million kroner in an attempt to expand globally. The startup, which launched in mid-2015, is aiming to triple the number of its bicycles by the end of the year. Donkey Republic already has a presence in Sweden, the USA, the UK, Spain, New Zealand and Finland.

MEDTECH company BK Medical and its US owner Analogic Corporation, a market leader in advanced imaging technologies, will pay about 100 million kroner to settle civil and criminal charges in the US relating to fake and inflated invoices. In other news, the US private equity fund Apollo has been linked with a bid to buy TDC, according to Børsen.

Fewer July closures

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ONLINE THIS WEEK Green steps in Americas DENMARK’S Energy Savings Insurance, a green energy insurance project developed in connection with the InterAmerica Development Bank, has received a donation of 130 million kroner from the Green Climate Fund. The project provides small and medium businesses in Latin America with certainty their investments in green energy pay off through lower energy bills.

BoConcept purchased LONDON-LISTED private equity group 3i has purchased the Scandinavian furniture chain BoConcept for nearly 1.5 billion kroner with a view to expanding it globally. BoConcept currently has 250 shops, of which 13 are in the UK. The company, will be delisted from the Copenhagen Stock Exchange as part of the deal.

SAS flying high LAST MONTH saw the fewest number of empty seats on SAS flights in the company’s history. Some 2.7 million passengers flew – a seat occupancy rate of 89.3 percent. In other airline news, Nordic Seaplanes has increased the number of its daily seaplane flights between Copenhagen and Aarhus to five return journeys due to increased demand from the business sector.

Apprenticeship woes MORE STUDENTS attending Denmark’s vocational schools are finding it hard to augment their education with an apprenticeship at a company. Figures from the Education Ministry show that the number of pupils with an apprenticeship agreement fell to 43,378 in May – a decrease of 3 percent since May 2015 and the lowest level for six years.

Drop and go A DANISH entrepreneur has established a new service, Dropnlocal, which allows short-stay tourists to drop off their luggage and take in the sights and sounds of Copenhagen and Aarhus unencumbered. The service involves a network of local shops and cafes where tourists can drop off their baggage for a few hours for a fee.


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BUSINESS OPINION THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

TINY MAERSCHALK LIVING IN AN EXPAT WORLD Belgium’s Tiny Maerschalk, who has worked for the International Community networking platform since its foundation in 2008, knows how it feels to settle in a new country. Dedicated to improving conditions for new arrivals, here she shares her insights about the business issues that mean the most to internationals in Denmark.

Easier to settle today THESE concerns – and many others – are common to any newcomer, but thankfully there are plenty of places to turn to today. In 2008, International Community in Aarhus was founded due to the need for an organisation that could support companies, educational institutions, public authorities and Aarhus Municipality with attracting, welcoming and retaining international employees

Networking is key INTERNATIONAL Community serves as a catalyst for internationalisation in the Aarhus area. The goal is to make sure that newcomers settle in well. But while we do focus on practical issues and public service, we are well aware of other and often more personal challenges: for instance, building a social circle, finding a job

As the chairman of the Medicon Valley Alliance – the gold-labelled Danish-Swedish life science cluster organisation – Søren will address current trends and challenges in the sector. Away from the alliance, he is responsible for Novo Nordisk’s global R&D-based PhD and post doc programs, as well as research, innovation and educational policy.

Still cause for concern THIS IS a positive trend for society. As an industry depending on well-educated, ambitious young men and women, the life science industry strongly encourages and supports the tendency to pursue an academic and professional career. However, there is still cause for concern. Despite the fact that no other industry, in my view, offers more in terms of individual career opportunities, contributes more to growth or contributes more to tackling major societal challenges like preventing and treating chronic disease, environmental challenges etc. We still apparently need to make more young people more interested in natural science in general and life science in particular.

Disappointing numbers THE NUMBER of applicants for some of the life science-related studies has unfortunately more or less stagnated – and in some cases even decreased. For example, the interest in becoming a bio analyst has decreased by 7 percent, while biology, chemistry and IT & health courses at the University of Copenhagen (KU) still have room for more students. An education at KU´s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, which combines disciplines particularly relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, is apparently far less attractive and prestigious than, for instance, odontology and veterinary medicine. On a positive note the number of engineer students has increased by 9 percent, which is crucial from a life science perspective, since top-level engineers are important for the production and value chain.

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IN 2 ISSUES

From Struggle to Success

Give Yourself a Chance

SØREN BREGENHOLT THE VALLEY OF LIFE

So you’ve unpacked your boxes. What’s next?

if you are an accompanying spouse, learning Danish, finding a school or daycare for your children, and joining a club or association where you can take up your hobby etc. No matter the issue, it often comes down to networking. If I had 2 kroner for every time someone connected to International Community found a job, daycare, hobby or friends – or got some great advice through their network – I’d be happy to buy everyone a large Belgian beer.

Expat reception SINCE networking can be so crucial, International Community arranges around 100 events a year. One of my favourite events is the annual Expat Reception, which always takes place on the last Saturday in August as part of Aarhus Festival. Some 600-800 internationals come together to enjoy each other’s company – and I can’t wait to welcome all the newcomers and have a chat with all the nice people International Community welcomed years ago!

ISTOCK

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HIS YEAR a record number of students – 66,439 to be exact – were admitted to university and other such institutions.

and their families. At the time it was unique to bring all these players together to co-operate. Fortunately, this approach has since served as an inspiration to establish similar organisations in other parts of the country, while the service level from public authorities has also improved greatly. Therefore, international newcomers are much better off today than they were just five years ago – that’s not to say that everything is perfect, but it’s definitely better.

ISTOCK

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T’S THAT time of year, just after the summer vacation, when many international employees and students arrive in Denmark. Hopefully everyone settles in well! I still remember my first day in Aarhus, full of excitement of what was to come. I was mainly occupied with practical issues and finding people to hang out with. Who could I turn to for help or a cup of coffee?

12 August - 1 September 2016

Despite the record numbers, some courses are undersubscribed

Keys to the future ALL IN all, the results indicate that we have not succeeded in marketing all the most relevant fields of study to a sufficient number of the best and brightest. How many young people actually know which study courses can lead to a successful international career in the life science industry? How many young people know that they very often lead to professionally challenging and rewarding working lives, in

which you actively contribute to creating better health and wealth for patients as well as society as a whole? It requires a collective effort to increase the awareness of the potential, relevance and perspectives of life science. This work should start in elementary school. I hope the warmly-welcomed increase in prospective teachers can help facilitate that development. After all, the teachers are the ones holding the keys to the future!

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Startup Community

Danish Capital in 2016

Mind over Managing

Trading Kingdoms

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JOBS

12 August - 1 September 2016

Fall 2016

DAVID PARKINS

International House Copenhagen is happy to introduce a broad range of informative events coming up in the fall of 2016. The events are all in English and free of charge – all you need to do is sign up at ihcph.dk

Is my degree worthless? “I GRADUATED at a top university a year ago. I even wrote International School Fair DailyAlchemy Banking Real Estate 21st Century is a & Insurance for the school newspaperBuying and weekly Q&A column for had several prestigious internDate 24/11 Time 17.00-19.00 Date 24/8 Time 17.00-19.00 Date 6/10 Time 17.00-19.00 career-minded professionships. Guess what? It all means als, entrepreneurs and small shit after you’ve received your Do you have children and are you on the hunt about basic bankjob-hunting ing Interested in buying real estate in Denmark? businessesLooking writtenfor byinformation David degree. I’ve been for for a good international school? This event will and insurance products in Denmark? This is Let’s guide you through the buying process Parkins, ayour business (re)develmonths now, and it feels like I’m help you make this all-important decision. chance! from start to finish. opment specialist, company no closer to finding (legitimate) culture strategist, career coach, employment than I was the day Trade11a Unions and Unemployand IMCSA speaker (ep3.dk). after graduation when I packed Welcome Reception Housing Fair ment Funds up myFall dorm room while recovering from a titanic hangover.” the whole process with all the note. Usually when I get home as you turn on your computer Date 31/8 Time 15.30-18.00 30/11 Timesuit 17.00-19.00 Date 13/10 Time 17.00-19.00you have from an Date interview I get my relentless ass-kissing or phone, you can’t escape the Not really that special to do. But sometimes, a fam- off as fast as possible and collapse reminder that seemingly all of Are you looking for a place to live and do you knowing more about your legal Welcome to Copenhagen! Let’s introduce you or Interested “I WASN’T the smartest most ily infriend or former classmate on my bed. I’m a runner and your ‘friends’ are living la vida need an overview of the many housing organirights and how trade unions and unemployto the rich culture and leisure scene of the city talented student by any means, can get your resume to the right let me tell you: areHousing loca of employment, and you Then join the Fair! ment funds (a-kasser) can help you? Then join zations? interviews with an official welcome reception. but I worked hard and made person their company. this event whereinexperts will guide You you more exhausting than running aren’t.” the most of my time. It helped thatrules big and break into the a marathon.” through know, the many options. that a lot of the students were world of employment, but more It doesn’t matter if you’ve Everyone has it better been in fi nance, so it wasn’t hard to often than not, it isn’t that easy.” Investing in Denmark looking for a job for a Family Days Danish Hygge stand out as a writer in college. “THANKS to Twitter, Face- month or for a year (perhaps longer), after a while, all the I’m not saying I’m not talented The 42 km interview book, Instagram and allTime other Date 8/12 17.00-19.00 Date 5/9 – 11/9 Date 20/10 Time 17.00-19.00 (far from it), but hunting for a “INTERVIEWS are the hardest forms of social media, our gener- disappointments, rejections, job is a big wake-up acting job you’ll do. mosttowell-connected and frustrations can really get Trying get your head around the Danish inFamily Days allows you and your family to digcall when Let the networking begin!ever Meet theFirst Danesation in a is the you start competing with all the you have to painstakingly write ever. Sometimes, that can be a to you. Self-doubt can consume vestment and savings options? Let’s guide you into the countless cultural and leisure activities cozy atmosphere. There will be delicious cake gradscity who have the same andand review yourwelcome resumetoand Two my best you as you start to wonder IF, through theofpossibilities! available in Copenhagen.other Explore walks, and coffee, you are bring good your thing. interests, passions, letter and for typos and gram- friends are living abroad right not WHEN, you’re going to get ice skating, volleyball, yoga and much more! and talents friends, cover colleagues family. as you and you quickly see that matical errors. You also need to now. A generation ago, it would a job. You consider exploring dress for the part be seemingly of know how impossibleCoziness to stay jobs and fields you would’ve Leisure Guidanceyou’re not the special ray Volunteer FairtoFall Christmas sunshine your professors said (not so easy these days with in touch. Nowadays, they are scoffed at a few months ago, or evolving company cultures). just an instant email you take absolutely any work Date 8/9 + 4/10 + 10/11 +you 6/12were.” Date 27/10 Time 17.00-20.00 Date message 15/12 or Time 17.00-19.00 Then comes the interview and away. But sometimes all the sta- that you can get – all the while Networking with the timing needs to be perfect tus updates are and not create feeling likeown you’re a total sell-out. Would you like to be up to date with cultural and jobless Why notyour engage in volunteer work in CopenJoinand this tweets workshop your Christleisure activities in Copenhagen expand hagen? –You have funyou while making toowill early and seem crazy new “THEYand TELL you that “geta good thing. Our generation’s When this happens, realise mas decorations. Bring your children or your your network? Let our leisure help you! whofriends it boostsand yourGod CV, too. Explore innerofchild to a cozy Christmas ting guides a job is about you –orand desperate, forbid digital desire one-upmanship you’reafternoon. not alone. Take a step back the countless opportunities here.As for is contagious. We’re constantly and breathe, but then keep goyou should arrive late. HAVE YOU RUN OUT OF know”. So you start attending IDEAS? STRUGGLING FOR every networking event you can the actual interview, you need showing off how our lives are ing. Remember, the first break is Workplace Culture Renting & Cooperative INSPIRATION? NEED SOME and you’reHousing hopeful with theDanish first to seem alert, cheerful, inquisi- and how happy we feel. Now always the hardest. But you need MOTIVATION? PLEASE SEND few people you talk to. But you tive and intelligent while also that we’ve graduated, it in- just one job offer to make all the Date Time 16.30-19.30 Date OR13/9 Time 17.00-19.00 soon realise that most of the at- 8/11 YOUR CAREER COMPANY not appearing to be a pomp- cludes how awesome our jobs waiting, all the anxiety and all QUESTIONS TO CONTACT@ tendees are just as pathetically ous asshole. And then after the are. When you’re looking for a the frustrations worth it. If you EP3.DK OR @EP3DK.in renting a place unemployed it’syou interview is over, you need rules to at job, this employment FOMO press on, hard enough and long Are familiar with the (un)written Interested or buyingas you are. So your workplace, and like you to get a cooperative housing in Denmark, buttodoget you pretty easy jaded about remember towould send ayou thank is incessant in nature. As soon enough, something’s gotta give. better understanding of the Danish workplace find the housing market confusing? culture? is your Let’s guide you through might your options! be: “Yes, I’m very much a aThis lead-in to chance. questions such as Performance anxiety is very isn’t that great a distance. It’s QUESTIONS & ANSWERS team player. In fact, I’ve had op- how you handle conflict or team common. In fact, many say that all about acceptance, focus and Buying Real Estate Childcare portunities in my work, school dynamics, so be prepared. public speaking is their number relaxation. Accept the situation INTERVIEW QUESTION and athletics to develop my skills one fear – even surpassing the and then intentionally focus on Date Time 17.00-19.00 28/9 Time 16.00-18.00 Are you a Date team player? as a team player. For example, on 15/11 WORKPLACE QUESTION fear of dying! I believe that in- your body, your breathing and a recent project …” But then you One of my work tasks is to stead of thinking of it as anxiety, your mind. Focus on the tenInterested in buying real estate Denmark? Do asking you have Let’s introduce Why they’re – young Almostchildren? need to finish strong! Emphasise deliver workshops. The inparticthink of it as preparation for a sion and release it. Focus on your Let’s guide you through the buying process you to the public and private childcare options everyone says yes to this ques- teamwork behavioural examples ipants say that I’m a brilliant great performance. Like an ath- breathing and slow and deepen from start to finish. in Denmark, while at the same time providing tion, but it isn’t just a simple and focus on your openness to communicator and that I al- lete who’s about to explode from it. Focus on your mind: let it you with information about enrollment and yes/no question. to kindergartens. a diversity of backgrounds (per- ways look relaxed, both before the starting line of a 100-metre drift and don’t hold on to any everydayYou life need in Danish also provide succinct (clear, spectives and possibilities). Focus and during the workshop, I’m sprint, your ‘nerves’ are super- specific thoughts. Slow down concise, precise), specific, and on how the right strategy was extremely anxious to the point charging your body and mind everything, relax everything and ihcph.dk House — Gyldenløvesgade 11, 1600 Copenhagen V I Get concrete (5International senses) examples. found from consensus rather that can’tmore sleepinfo at at night (not to perform at your max. But the breathe. How do you answer – A good than persuasion (we vs me). just before but after). What do shift from performance-anxiety start to answering this question This question may be used as I do? to performance-enhancement

21ST CENTURY ALCHEMY

ISTOCK

W Event Calendar/ HETHER you’re unhappily employed, underemployed or unemployed, in the neverending quest for a job, remember you’re not alone. The following are real experiences of people (mostly graduates) in similar struggles to yours.

11


12

OPINION

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

Back to make a difference

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Invaluable aid BY FOCUSING on news and information that could either affect your career or living circumstances here in Denmark, or enhance your cultural and leisure possibilities, and delivering it in a succinct, accessible manner, we’re confident our print edition is an invaluable aid to internationals in Denmark. Above everything, we pride

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An Englishman abroad, Stephen has lived and worked in Denmark since 1978. His interests include music, art, cooking, real ale, politics and cats.

New-look edition OUR FIRST edition since the summer break hits the newsstands on Thursday August 11, and there are some changes afoot – not least a jobs page, more event listings, the return of our history page and a revamped film section. For several years now, we have been experimenting with fewer issues during the off-season, whether it is July and Jul (Christmas). And from now on, we’ll be printing fewer editions – most particularly during the Danish winter – at an average rate of one every two to three weeks. The change will enable us to produce tighter editions, brimful with relevant material, and to further consolidate and improve our online activities. (BH)

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E’RE ALL guilty of spending too much time on our smartphones – or so the surveys tell us. Congratulations if you’re one of the few who can minimise your time online, but still source the news and other information relevant to your career and other needs. Here at the Copenhagen Post, we’re acutely aware that your time is precious, and our newlook print edition is designed so you can access relevant news at a far quicker speed than via a smartphone.

STEPHEN GADD

Every day is Armageddon on Fox News, but you’re not the first to be zapped into submission

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NYONE keeping up with the news over the last month or so must surely have reacted as I did, with increasing amounts of incredulity and shock as one outrage succeeded another. We can almost see those four horsemen of the Apocalypse – death and war being well represented, conquest and famine not so far behind. Armageddon seems just around the corner. However, perhaps a little perspective is in order here. We forget that sometimes the past wasn’t always that rosy. In 1965, the musician and satirist Frank Zappa wrote a song entitled ‘Trouble Every Day’ after watching TV coverage of the Watts Riots, one of the worst ever race riots in America. Its primary lyrical themes are racial violence, social injustice and sensationalist journalism. Well I’m about to get sick from watchin’ my TV. Been checkin’ out the news until my eyeballs fail to see. I mean to say that every day is just another rotten mess, and when it’s gonna change my friend is anybody’s guess. On a roll PRESENT-DAY media culture

is far more sophisticated than it was in Frank’s day. Since the 1980s, we’ve had ‘rolling news’, keeping a story on the boil 24/7. However, the major drawback with this format is vast lacunae of nothingness when things are developing and journalists are increasingly desperate to fill airtime. This leads to panel discussions with various ‘experts’ brought in to – well, talk. The anchor frantically tries to draw this together into something coherent while we go back to Brian or Jenny in the street outside whatever is supposedly happening for frequent updates. Often, the sheer paucity of information forces the increasingly hopeless studio anchors to jump to premature conclusions. These then become more or less set in stone as they have “been on TV, so it must be true”. Compounding the felony, we have blanket social media and the fact that practically everyone on the planet has a smartphone and is prepared to use it. There is scarcely a news broadcast today that at some stage does not have wobbly, grainy footage of something taken on someone’s phone. Lars von Trier and his

fellow Dogma adherents have truly been vindicated. A loose cannon PEOPLE share images on social media at such a rate that any news story soon spirals out of control – inaccuracies and all. We saw this with startling clarity recently with the attack on the Munich shopping centre. Various people (including the new UK foreign minister, Boris Johnson) were quick to speculate that the gunman was an Islamic terrorist. It transpired that he was, in fact, a disturbed teenager. News media have a heavy social responsibility. News stories can inflame feeling against minorities, leading to violence and even death. Today’s social media platforms allow total freedom for everyone to express their views ‘in the now’ with practically no holds barred. Exercising this freedom requires a correspondingly high level of personal responsibility. So I’m watchin’ and I’m waitin’, hopin’ for the best, even think I’ll go to prayin’ every time I hear ‘em sayin’ that there’s no way to delay that trouble comin’ every day.


OPINION

12 August - 1 September 2016

13

NEXT ISSUE

KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN

A Dane Abroad Born and raised in Denmark, Kirsten jumped ship in her early 20s to spend the next 12 years living in New Zealand. A physiotherapist, acupuncturist, yogini and foodie, she has a passion for life and wellbeing. After a few stints back in the motherland, Kirsten is once again back living in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Brick by Brick STEPHANIE BRICKMAN

Tasting Notes JAMES CLASPER

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IN 2 ISSUES

Crow’s Feet KRISTY CROWLEY

Mishra’s Mishmash MRUTYUANJAI MISHRA IN 3 ISSUES

Wanted! The strawberry thief who also stole the Danish summer. He’s a ‘cereal’ offender

S

UMMER has landed! Kind of. When the Danish summer rolls out her red (albeit underused!) carpet – it really is incredibly lovely. Perfect mild temperatures. Of course there’s always the chance that the Danish summer only seems that much better because two weeks prior it was 10 degrees and hailing.

Homegrown goodness DENMARK produces some of the best strawberries in the world over the summer. They may be small – but they are tasty little buggers! Not like those big, bland watery things you often get abroad. My uncle in Jylland grows his own strawberries – Red Gold as we like to call them. Picking naturally ripened, spray-free fruits and veg from someone’s own garden makes you realise just how precious it actually is – and how rare it is becoming. Especially if you’re a city dweller. Here in New Zealand we are blessed with a big variety of fresh local produce – my favourite summer picks would be avocados, apricots, cherries, raspberries and to-die-for plums! How exciting can a plum be, you may think! Well, if you haven’t

tasted Hawke’s Bay grown Black Doris and George Wilson plums – you haven’t lived! Local superfood SUPERFOOD crazes erupt on a regular basis in today’s world. A few years ago in Denmark, sea-buckthorn (havtorn) suddenly rose from oblivion to stardom. Presumably due to its high vitamin C and essential fatty acid content, it has since become a popular ingredient in both gourmet foods as well as skincare products in the Nordic countries. Manuka (a relative to tea tree) is native to New Zealand and some parts of southern Australia. Commonly cultivated for honey, essential oil and skincare, it is exported worldwide. Manuka has unique medicinal properties and is enjoyed both as a delicacy and as a remedy. The dark monofloral honey comes with a hefty price tag depending on potency. It has a strong and distinctively herbaceous taste, and in NZ it is a tried and trusted cure-all favourite. Taste of summer ELDERFLOWER juice is one of the classic summer drinks in Denmark – the taste is mild and

floral (just like the Danish summer!) and perfect when served with ice. Another chilled specialty is ‘koldskål’ – a refreshing milky dessert made with egg, vanilla and lemon and eaten with special biscuits. To me the Danish summer is catching the smell of charcoal barbecued sausages, hot dog buns and lighter-fluid infused briquettes wafting across privet hedges on a summer’s eve as you bike through the neighbourhood ... (sigh). Grill it! LARGE grunty BBQ equipment has been a staple in every Down Under household since forever. When their Nordic neighbours were still mucking about with wee round Weber grills, Kiwis and Aussies had long been operating huge, big man-appendix-extending things – which I see have now found their way into Danish gardens! New Zealanders are also sausage lovers, yet their hot dog tradition is a very different experience to the elaborate Danish dog. A Kiwi hot dog is made by popping a sausage on a stick, rolling it in thick batter, deep frying it and dipping it in ketchup! That’s keeping it simple mate!

The Road Less Taken JESSICA ALEXANDER

An Actor’s Life IAN BURNS IN 4 ISSUES

Fashion Jam JENNY EGSTEN-ERICSON

‘Mere te’ Vicar? DARREN MCCALLIG IN 5 ISSUES

Crazier than Christmas VIVIENNE MCKEE

Straight Up ZACH KHADUDU


14

COMMUNITY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

ABOUT TOWN

PHOTOS BY HASSE FERROLD

BCCD president Mariano A Davies has seen a few British ambassadors come and go over the years, and it was probably with a little sorrow that he was greeted by outgoing Vivien Life at her farewell reception (left). Moroccan ambassador Raja Ghannam (centre), the dean of the diplomatic corps, was at hand to make a farewell speech to a large crowd of dignitaries, which included (right: left-right) Indian ambassador Rajev Shahare and his wife, German ambassador Claus Robert Krumrei, Venstre MP Jakob Ellemann Jensen, Life, Lord Chamberlain Michael Ehrenreich and Chinese ambassador Liu Biwei

Greek ambassador Eleni Sourani (left) has bid farewell to these shores, and she bowed out in style with a reception attended by a great many members of the diplomatic corps. Moroccan ambassador Raja Ghannam (left: right), the corps’ dean, was once again at hand to make a speech, addressing an attendance that included (left-right from centre left) Albanian ambassador Kastriot Robo and Palestinian ambassador Amro AA Alhourani, Bulgarian ambassador Roussi Ivanov, and Serbian ambassador Dragana Ivanovic

Søren Hall (left: seated), the director of London Toast Theatre and husband of Crazy Christmas Cabaret founder and star Vivienne McKee (second left), celebrated his 70th birthday over the summer with a celebration at Teater ved Sorte Hest in Vesterbo – the scene of his wife’s spring triumph, ‘Shakespeare’s Ghost’. He was joined by old friends including (centre) musician Lasse Lunderskov and the composer Fuzzy; while (right) KUKS president Kaj Larssen and the opera singer Gert Henning Jensen caught up with Vivienne

Polish ambassador Henryka Mościcka-Dendys (right) was the hostess of an informal reception on August 5 aboard the ‘Iskra’, one of her country’s naval vessels, which paid a visit in conjunction with the recent NATO Summit in Warsaw

‘Brexit - What now?’ was the subject of a wellattend British Chamber of Commerce event presided over by its president, Mariano A Davies

Looking on with interest at the BBCD’s Brexit event was Slovakian ambassador Boris Gandel, whose country has just taken over the presidency of the EU for the next six months


MARKETPLACE & SCHOOLS

12 August - 1 September 2016

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Join the American Club in Copenhagen, and take part in our exciting and interesting events and excellent networking opportunities! This is a great way to meet others from the international community in Copenhagen! For further information: www.americanclub.dk or contact Vibeke Henrichsen at 3961 7375

Living Church is an international church family – a visionary congregation with a genuine passion for God. Our worship is joyful and vibrant. You will find a church family and a home with us. Sunday Service 12:00 with Children’s Church (ages 2-14); Home Groups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Femagervej 39, 2650 Hvidovre (Close to Hvidovre Station) For more information see: www.levendekirke.com; facebook.com/levendekirke

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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

RELAND have done it again, winning their second successive Copenhagen Celtic Summer Tournament, beating Denmark on penalties in an exciting final against Denmark, a team they had previously lost to in the group stage.

12 August - 1 September 2016

OUT AND ABOUT

Sean Coogan, one of the few surviving players of the last triumph, celebrated with his manager/father, the club’s founder Coogan (bottom centre), who invited all and sundry to drink from his ‘chalice’ “as if he was a f***ing priest” – it was observed by an

onlooker. Thanks to the efforts of organisers (top right) Chris Pilbeam and John Treacher (club treasurer and MC, Ton Baks, is sitting – injured again probably), Celtics really put on a show at Kløvermarken on August 6, errecting an unprec-

ALL PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN WENANDE

I

COMMUNITY

edented 11 tents (that mostly stayed up in strong winds) to host a tournament that involved 690 minutes of football. Among the more colourful teams were Russia (bottom left), which included CPH POST news editor Christian Wenande (back row, third

JANNE HELLSTEN

If you’re tired of shopping on the high street, a Danish loppemarked (flea market) is being held in Nørrebroparken. It might be the perfect occasion to blend in and find some vintage pieces of clothing for very little money (Aug 14, 10:00-17:00; Nørrebroparken, Cph N; free adm) GABRIELE DELLISANTI

Copenhagen’s Anglican St Alban’s Church is holding its annual Summer Fete. This year will be the 25th anniversary of the event, held in Churchillparken right outside the church, and the organisers are planning a whole day of celebrations! (Aug 27, 10:00-17:00; Churchillparken, Cph K; free adm)

Jægersborggade, located in the heart of hipartsy area Nørrebro, is turning into an all-day street party. From noon to 10 in the evening, the street will be closed to traffic and packed with activities for people of all ages (Aug 13, 12:00-22:00; Jægersborggade, Cph N; free adm)

The Royal Thai Embassy invites you to their annual festival, which promises authentic cuisine and cultural performances. The lucky winners of a draw will also win tickets to Thailand! (Aug 13, 10:0018:00; Havneparken, Islands Brygge; free adm)

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For a night of laughs, head over to the Dubliner Downtown to see acclaimed comedians Phil Nichol and Christian Schulte-Loh (Sep 1, 20:00; Dubliner Ny Østergade 14; 100kr advance, 180kr 2-person advance, 120kr per person at door, billetto.dk)

YANN

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COMING UP SOON

right), and a side representing The Globe Pub organised by landlord Brian McKenna (top left, right). Afterwards everyone tucked into a barbecued meal prepared by grill meisters Simon Sheard and Neil Jones (bottom right). BEN HAMILTON

Come and celebrate India at Kulturcenter Kildevæld! The festival includes Indian food, music, dance and movies, and a market for your shopping needs (Aug 26, 15:00-0:00; Kulturcenter Kildevæld KCK, Bellmansgade, Cph Ø; free adm) SOHINI KUMAR


SCHOOLS

12 August - 1 September 2016

17

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HISTORY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

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THE UNDISPUTED GRAND-DADDY OF THE DANISH TENNIS WORLD Despite the rise of younger tennis stars, Kurt Nielsen is one ace that will never be left in the shadows in Denmark WESLEY M SPYKE

A

LL EYES in the Danish tennis world are on the Olympic Games in Rio, where Denmark's current tennis darling Caroline Wozniacki is trying to overcome the odds and win a medal. Despite taking a tumble in the rankings in recent years, there's little doubt that Wozzy has been the top tennis player Denmark has fostered in the last half century. One could be tempted to say the best ever, but before that there was Kurt. Good old Kurt. Kurt Nielsen arguably pips Wozzy as the biggest ever name in Danish tennis and for generations the man stood as an interna-

player to have ever played in a men’s singles final in a grand slam tournament. Junior master BORN ON 19 November 1930, Nielsen grew up in Hellerup, where he showed signs of talent at an early age. His father was instrumental in young Nielsen’s grooming, purposefully pacing his youngest son towards a career on the tennis court. A few years after World War II, Kurt Nielsen, at the age of 17, became the nation’s best tennis player. His climb to stardom began after winning the boys’ singles tournament at Wimbledon in 1947, where he defeated Swedish-born Sven Davidson. From there, he kicked on with a steady stream of wins, securing yet another boys’ singles title at the French Open the following year. Nielsen then entered the senior tour with resounding force, reaching the senior quarterfinals of the French

Tony Trabert

Open twice and the US Open once. In 1953, the young Dane reached the singles final at Wimbledon where he lost to American Vic Seixas after defeating Australian superstar Ken Rosewell in the quarter-finals. He would get a chance to redeem himself two years later, but would fall short again in the final, this time losing to American player Tony Trabert. As frustrated as he may have been, Nielsen would finally taste victory in 1957 with help from American player Althea Gibson . The two teamed up to win the US Open mixed doubles tournament in 1957, thereby making Kurt Nielsen the first Dane to win a grand slam event as a senior. The following year, Nielsen and Gibson once again made a grand slam final, this time at Wimbledon, where they lost to Australian duo Robert Howe and Lorraine Coghlan Robinson. The same year, Nielsen would reach the men’s singles semi-finals at Wimbledon. From champ to commentator AFTER a long and fantastic career, which included playing in 96 Davis Cup matches for Denmark with a record of 53-43 as well as holding the record for the most Danish national tennis championships (50), Nielsen retired. He then dabbled with coaching in Denmark, Spain and West Germany. He held numerous hon-

ourable positions at leading international tennis associations, as well as being supervisor and referee at many grand slam events. He was also a commentator on the Danish version of the TV channel Eurosport until late 2006. Kurt Nielsen played into the hearts of tennis fans around the globe. A percussion hard server, with a lovely sweeping flight of games and a huge physical and mental willpower placed him among the best tennis players in the world. In 2007, journalist Flemming Vitus wrote a book on Nielsen entitled ‘The Great Dane’, which chronicled the life and times of the Danish superstar. Illustrated with pictures downloaded directly from the family scrapbook and packed with interviews of Kurt himself, his immediate family and friends, colleagues and tennis opponents, the book candidly reflects the storyline of one of Denmark’s greatest players ever to step foot on the tennis court. Nielsen, who passed away aged 80 in 2011, was also the grandfather of Danish tennis player Frederik Løchte Nielsen, born on 27 August 1983, who turned professional in 2000 and went on to emulate Kurt at the grand slams by triumphing at the one that eluded him the most, winning the Wimbledon men’s doubles in 2012. Ken Rosewell

KOCH, ERIC / ANEFO

Kurt Nielsen

tional beacon when Denmark and tennis were mentioned in the same breath. With the rise of Wozniacki over the past decade, Nielsen’s name often falls into the long shadow the young lady’s reputation casts. But Nielsen was more than just another tennis player. In the mid-20th century, he was a household name, not only in Denmark, but across Europe and the Atlantic as well. He won approximately 30 international titles between 1949 and 1960, including the first Wimbledon junior tournament in 1947. And he was a two-time runner-up in the Wimbledon Men’s Final (1953 and 1955). He remains the only Danish tennis


19 Proof the grass will never grow under Cofoco’s feet RESTAURANT

12 August - 1 September 2016

VÄKST Sankt Peders Stræde 34, Cph K; set menu with wine pairing: from 495kr; 3841 2727, vaekst@ cofoco.dk; hostvakst.dk/vakst PIA MARSH

T

HERE IS a new restaurant in town and we like it a lot. Just when you thought serial restaurateurs Cofoco could do no more, they opened Väkst – a cosy little greenhouse-restaurant hybrid right in the heart of the city centre. With its earthy menu and incandescent lighting, it is Copenhagen’s own answer to a secret garden: a paradise of assorted flora sprouting from all directions. Never stops progressing VÄKST – previously Cofoco’s Work in Progress – is tucked away down pastel-painted Sankt Peders Stræde. Opened as a sister restaurant to multi-award winning Höst, it is only natural to expect a certain standard of excellence from its gastronomic counterpart. When I finally got around to paying it a visit, I was not disappointed. Inspired by the softness and serenity of an organic garden, Väkst (which translates as ‘growth’) feels relaxed and luxe in equal doses. Designed by Genbyg – a studio and retailer that specialises in recycled building materials – it is undeniably Nordic and has a rustic charm that is hard not to love. At the heart of the two-storey restaurant is a greenhouse packed with suspended plant pots. Most of the furniture is sourced secondhand, and the provided by old milk cans transformed into pendants. The restaurant’s menu, curated by chef Jonas Christensen, mirrors the interior’s emphasis on greens. Vegetables of the season take priority, while fresh, high-quality ingredients are artistically prepared and served in abundance. Ultimate indulgence WE PLACED our trust in our friendly waiter and followed his epicurean suggestions for the evening. For starters, we shared the squid and baked kohlrabi in a mussel sauce – a delicious dish exuding flavour. Served with a

Unless stated otherwise, the meals in these reviews are paid for by the venue.

glass of sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne, it was the ultimate indulgence. For our main course, I had the grilled trout with broccoli, thyme and hazelnut sauce, while my friend had the beef tenderloin with white asparagus, tarragon and pepper sauce. If there is one thing you can praise Cofoco for, it is their attention to detail. Plated up on a beautiful ceramic saucer, there is very

little I could fault. The trout, in particular, was our favourite. Full of surprises ONE OF my favourite aspects of the menu was the handful of ‘surprise’ dishes served between the courses. All in all, we were served three ‘surprises’ – each and every one an exciting revelation for our taste buds. For dessert, we followed our waiter’s recommendations and or-

dered the rhubarb ice cream with white chocolate, caramel cream and crumble. Danish summer is synonymous with rhubarb, so it seemed an obvious choice. Note: always leave room for dessert as the cheese with gooseberry compote is also a must-try. Immersed and impressed SOPHISTICATED affordability is the hallmark of Cofoco’s appeal, and Väkst does little to

take away from this. As always, the entire experience was a total dream, without the hefty bill. The wines were modern, light and European. The service was impeccable. At Väkst, it’s all about immersing diners in the experience, combining interesting flavours with the freshest produce. You’ll want to try every last item on the menu – that much, I can promise.


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INOUT

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ALEX JAMES

FOOD, glorious food. What is there more handsome? According to the organisers of the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival, absolutely nothing and who could disagree! The event is a maelstrom of culinary experiences, with over 100 unique events on offer over ten days. Highlights include the chance to try in-

COPENHAGEN PRIDE Aug 16-21; various venues in Cph K; free adm; copenhagenpride.dk COPENHAGEN Pride is more than a parade and it’s more than a week of celebration and fun. It is a chance to revel in individuality as well as to show support for Copenhagen’s LGBT community.

Throughout the week the City Hall Square will be renamed Pride Square and will be the centre of the action. Whilst the full program is a mystery for now, there are sure to be parties, music and other entertainment on offer all week. The parade is sure to be full of colour, celebration and, of course, the rainbow flags synonymous with the LGBT movement. (AJ)

THE BIGGEST harbour festival in Denmark returns for three days of dance, sport, music and theatre this August. Locals and visitors alike are invited to get involved and take part down by the water.

PERFORMANCE

ANOTHER BODY

Aug 18-25; Dansehallerne, Pasteursvej 14-24, Cph V; 125kr; dansehallerne.dk; 60 mins A nightmarish look inside the laboratory of Anders Christiansen. In his solo performance, he constructs a ghoulish Frankenstein-like form using just mud, old newspapers and, more worryingly, bits of found hair. (AC)

KIDS

MARIONETTE SHOW

ends Aug 28, daily except Mon, 14:00-15:00; Kongens Have, Gothersgade 11, Cph K; free adm; ages 2+ This puppet show is a national institute and treasure. Performed every summer for free in a small white house with black shutters the current play is called Det Vilde Vesten. (EN)

FESTIVAL

MALMÖ FESTIVAL

Aug 12-19; multiple venues; mostly free; malmofestivalen.se The massive city-wide Malmö Festival will once again wow residents and visitors with a fabulous line-up – this year with a focus on sustainability. With over 1.4 million visitors to the event every year, it is always worth the trip. (AJ)

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COPENHAGEN

MALMOFESTIVALEN.SE

CPH NY CIRKUS FESTIVAL

Aug 11-28; various venues; prices vary per performance; kit.dk Roll up, roll up for the Ny Cirkus Festival when ten international companies present more than 40 hair-raising stunt-strewn performances. Marvel at daredevil trapeze artists, wily illusionists and fearless tightrope walkers over two jam-packed weeks. (AC)

Aug 26-28; Københavns Havn, Islands Brygge, Cph S; mostly free; kulturhavn.dk

For once you can leave the bike at home, as the festival is a great opportunity to take a free waterbus around the harbour. Learn more about the city by taking a harbour tour, or alternatively explore Copenhagen’s charming docklands. The full program of music and activities is released at the start of August. Whoever performs, this promises to be a vibrant and bustling spectacle. (AJ)

MARIONETTEATRET.DK

PERFORMANCE

CPH HARBOUR DAYS

CHRISTOFFER ASKMAN

SÉBASTIEN ARMENGOL

OPEN AIR OPERA

Aug 14, 18:00; Bernstorff Slot, Gentofte; free adm; kglteater.dk This annual event sees the Royal Theatre tour the country promoting their next opera season. As well as Gentofte, the tour will visit Aalborg (Aug 6), Silkeborg (7), Esbjerg (12), Randers (13) and Kolding (21). Bring a picnic and wine.

JONAS HAAS

OPERA

the heart (or stomach) of the action. Based in Øksnehallen and Kvægtorvet, the streets will bustle with chef battles, cocktails, kitchenware and vendors exploring adventurous new ways to cook and eat. The Danish Radio station P4 will host a number of exciting voyages into the world of culinary excellence, with debates, discussions and delicious food tips. If you are more hands on, there are opportunities to cook on an open fire and to grow your own urban garden. One thing is for certain: Food, glorious food, we’re anxious to try it …

sects, the roasting of a whole ox at Gråbrødretorv, lots of kids’ activities, a splendid Italian market, and events called Midnight Munchies, Cocktail Craziness and Indian Inspiration. The list is endless and there truly is something on offer for everyone. This year’s theme is ‘Breaking the New’, which represents the innovative and courageous thinking that Denmark has pioneered since its explosion into the world of gastronomy 15 years ago. An exciting addition to the program is the Copenhagen Food District, which will be at

Aug 19-28; multiple venues in Greater CPH; copenhagencooking.com

CPH COOKING

CPH COOKING

12 August - 1 September 2016


INOUT

12 August - 1 September 2016

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ALESSANDRA PALMITESTA

ESTABLISHED by web magazine Kunsten.nu in 2013, Copenhagen Art Week aims to support the entire Danish scene – both mainstream and narrow artistic activities – and reinforce Copenhagen as a remarkable city for high quality contemporary art. This event provides the audience, curators, art professionals and artists an

THE TEMPEST Aug 25, 18:00; Rosenborg Castle gardens, Cph K; 100-265kr, adg-europe.coms ENJOY more Shakespeare-in-a-castle when a Munich-based troupe, the American Drama Group Europe, performs Paul Stebbing’s adaptation of The Tempest in the grounds of Rosenborg Slot. It’s a pit-stop on their annual Cas-

tle Tour of theatrical performances at stunning settings across Europe. The Shakespearean drama takes place on a remote island, where after a storm, a royal ship carrying the king of Naples is run aground. Trouble ensues between the shipwrecked party and the island’s local inhabitants: the magician Prospero, his daughter Miranda, the sprite Ariel and the feisty native Caliban. (AC)

THROUGH his legendary artistic journey, French impressonist painter Claude Monet captured changes in light like no other.

ART

HOLE IN SPACE

Aug 28-Nov 13; Nikolaj Kunsthal, Nikolaj Plads 10, Cph K; 50kr, free adm on Wed; nikolajkunsthal.dk Danish artist Trine Boesen’s exhibition Hole in Space is suitable for all ages. Taking over the main gallery, kids and adults will marvel at the large installation.

MUSIC

VERONICA MAGGIO

Aug 31, 20:00; Vega; 325kr A veteran of 10 years in the industry, this Swedish pop artist of Italian origin slings it to the boys with tracks like ‘Dumpa mig’ (dump me), ‘Nöjd?’ (satisfied?) and ‘Jag kommer’ (I’m coming). Since dropping her latest album, she’s dyed her hair blue to complement her language. (GD)

Explore 20.000 years of highlights natmus.dk

MUSIC

FRANKIE COSMOS

Aug 29, 19:00; Vega; 140kr The New York-born indie rock singer is heading to Denmark to promote her latest album Next Thing. As the daughter of luvvies Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates, her creativity is evident. Standout tracks include ‘Much ado about fucking’ and ‘Birth of penis’. (GD)

DIGBOSTON

ON SHOW: LOUISIANA CLASSICS PICASSO DRAWINGS & POUL GERNES LOUISIANA.DK

Aug 24-Dec 4, Tue -Sun 11:00-18:00, Wed 11:00-21:00; Ordrupgaard, Vilvordevej 110, Charlottenlund; 110kr; ordrupgaard.dk

Ordrupgaard will present more than 50 of his most famous paintings, and it promises to be Scandinavia’s biggest Monet exhibition of recent times. Starting with The Series Paintings and the plein-air landscape canvases – amongst them, the renowned water lilies and haystacks – experience Monet’s artistic development towards 20th century Modernism. (AP)

CALLE JANSSON

NATIVE, EXOTIC, NORMAL

ongoing, ends Aug 28, opens most days; Den Frie, Oslo Plads 1, Cph Ø; 60kr; denfrie.dk While showing skin-type colours, the exhibition – with the artist duo Hesselholdt & Mejlvang – highlights how discrimination belongs to our everyday life and affects our understanding of other people. (AP)

MONET: BEYOND IMPRESSIONISM

TRINE_BOESEN

ART

DEN FRIE

CPH FASHION FESTIVAL

Aug 10-12; various locations; mostly free; copenhagenfashionfestival.com Attend more than 200 fashion events to feed your hunger for new styles, colours and cuts. Besides fantastic sales there will be a high heel race, street parties, catwalk shows and more. (LK)

DSFDSFDSFDSFDSF

FESTIVAL

plete act that makes sense once it meets its audience. The French art duo Nøne Futbal Club have been invited as Cph Art Week’s special ‘City Artists’ to create a ‘place-specific’ scene in public spaces. Plus, the Dominican-American artist Isabel Lewis will create a performative celebration for SMK Friday at the National Gallery of Denmark, using dance, music and plants. The Artbar is a new idea this year. It will serve as a meeting point for the art scene and the public to discuss the day’s art events over a drink whilst enjoying a performance or two.

understanding of the current projects on the art scene, as well as promoting connections and communication amongst diverse art institutions. It develops new strategies of co-operation among museums, galleries, art fairs and exhibition spaces to celebrate the richness of the Danish art environment. Inspired by the current trends on the art scene and in society, the theme chosen for this year’s Cph Art Week is ‘Open Gestures’. This theme explores the unequalled capacity of art to present and debate itself as an open and incom-

Aug 26-Sep 4; various locations; copenhagenartweek.dk

SOPHIE DUPONT

CPH ART WEEK

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FILM

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

12 August - 1 September 2016

With dory and lobster this good, don’t look away from the fish menu

BEN HAMILTON

I

WANT TO be of use. But first I’m going to be rude. A lot of you are hopeless at choosing the films you watch at the cinema. Personally, I haven’t seen a film I hated at the cinema since Home Alone 2. And that was a friend’s choice. As a courtesy he pushed me over a row of seats as we were walking out – which was the funniest moment in the entire film. Cruising the reviews SO WHAT’S my secret? How come I saw Reservoir Dogs and Shallow Grave, two breakout films by unknown directors, on the days they opened? Simple, I read reviews. And no … not all of them

blindfolded with a pin. You read, you learn, you discern. Five out of five stars for a blockbuster in Empire magazine, for example, normally means it’s average. No pain = no complain WE’VE HAD enough of experts, we hear the Brexiters among you shout. Which is fine, but just don’t complain when the film turns out to be abysmal, or when the studios keep on churning out sequels. These days we have Metacritic, a website that collates critics’ scores into a mark out of 100, and our film page will be accordingly using its scores, when possible (always beware of any film that is released before a

Arabian Nights Aug 12th – Sept 3rd. Political films, genre films, historic dramas, documentaries, anthropologists, musicians, journalists, street food, debates, parties. No Arabian clichés! We present some 50 films with English dialogue or subtitles every month. See what’s on at cinemateket.dk CINEMATEKET / GOTHERSGADE 55 / CINEMATEKET.DK

critic can see it! For example, Paranormal Activity 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), so you can see – at lightning speed if you desire – what’s poor (0-50), average (50-70), good (70-80) and exceptional (+80). Three August gems LOOKING ahead over the next three weeks, there are three cracking films heading our way. First off, Finding Dory (opens on August 25; Metacritic: 77), the long-awaited sequel to Finding Nemo, is a safe bet to give your kids one reason to look beyond the end of the school holidays. Fifteen years on from the ropey Pearl Harbor, Kate Beckinsale is finally emerging from the LA underworld and delivering on the promise she showed in Britain. She stars in Love & Friendship (Aug 11; 87), an adaptation of some Jane Austen letters that has thrilled audiences. Beckinsale previously played eponymous Austen heroine Emma in a 1996 version, so she’s clearly at home here, particularly as the director is Whit Stillman, the maker of her first break in the US The Last Days of Disco. Every year a sci-fi sleeper hit arrives with minimal fanfare and we all go doolally, only in the case of The Lobster (Aug 25; 82), it’s been out since 2015. In a dystopian society, adults have a choice: partner up in 45 days or be transformed into an animal. (Big Brother arguably beat them to it.) Director Yorgos Lanthi-

mos (Dogtooth) has assembled a likeable cast including Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz but being sci-fi, you might hate it (particularly if you’re single). Also out in August ELSEWHERE, we have a further five films, ranging from the disappointing Suicide Squad (Aug 11; 42) – hard to escape the hype, which is quickly dissipating now everyone agrees it’s rubbish – to Florence Foster Jenkins (Aug 25; 69) starring Meryl Streep, a steady comedy that will appeal to fans of car crashes and X Factor. Shark scarefest The Shallows (Aug 18; 58), high school truth or dare thriller Nerve (Aug 25; 58) and War Dogs (Aug 25; no score available), a true story about two arms dealers that sees Hangover director Todd Phillips test out new territory (a comedy with serious content) with Jonah Hill in tow, complete the line-up for this issue. A distinctly average July AMONG the releases since we last published are an incredible number of average films – Ghostbusters (60), Bad Moms (60), Jason Bourne (58), The Secret Life of Pets (61), Miles Ahead (64), The BFG (66), Star Trek Beyond (68) and WienerDog (66) – as if the recipe for a summer movie has been followed to the tee. Presumably The Dressmaker

(47), Lights Out (57) and The Legend of Tarzan (44) took a bum steer. Only Everybody Wants Some (83) has managed to stand out. Richard Linklater’s latest has been referred to as the university version of Dazed and Confused, his brilliant depiction of a US high school as it breaks up for the insanely long summer vacation. Best of the rest OVER AT Cinemateket, we have two Danish on a Sunday editions coming up – The Hunt (Jagten) and Key House Mirror (Nøgle hus spejl) on August 14 and 28, 14:15 – which enable viewers to enjoy a homegrown film with English subtitles. While the pick of its special seasons has to be Man vs Machine, which includes screenings of Ex Machina (Aug 28, 18:00), I’m Here (Aug 13, 16:00), Blade Runner Director’s Cut (Aug 25, 19:00), The Terminator (Aug 31, 21:30) and Mechanical Love (Aug 25, 21:30). Meanwhile, Arabian Nights includes two chances to meet and greet the films’ directors: Halal Love (and Sex) (Aug 21, 16:00) and Coma (Aug 17, 14:00), while Orchestra of the Blind (Aug 12, 19:00) and Degrade (Aug 19, 21:45) both come director-less but recommended.


INOUT:TV

12 August - 1 September 2016

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

UNFORGOTTEN SVT1, AUG 12, 19 & 26, 21:30

PICK OF THE WEEK

A 39-YEAR-OLD murder and four seemingly unconnected suspects come crashing together in the six-episode British crime series Unforgotten. Two detectives, Nicola Walker (revitalised since River) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (The Kumars at No 42), dive into a victim’s past to connect the dots in the present. The 2015 ITV series, which scored 7.9 on IMDB, has been commended by the Telegraph for

Goodness gracious me, young Nicola’s career is really taking off

RUDY GIULIANI will endorse anyone. “Totally criminal, totally immoral, totally horrible, but totally brilliant,” he purrs. No, not Donald Trump this time, the mafia and ingenuity of New York’s ‘five families’. Tune in next week when Ruds bigs up the KKK. With Ray Liotta narrating, the 2015 docudrama series Making of the Mob: New York has an obvious Goodfellas charm, and for fans of Boardwalk Empire, this will help fill in a lot of the blanks.

If Game of Thrones is more your bag, you’ll prefer The Hollow Crown (SVT2, Aug 13 & 20, 20:00), yet another series based on 14th and 15th century England – the period George RR Martin cites as his main inspiration. With the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch on board in S2 as Richard III, it’s easily the best. Elsewhere, US doc The Lost Aviator recounts a ripper of a tale based in 1930s America – if only Martin Scorsese had

based his film on this; Killer Women with Piers Morgan might be catering to the femme fatale-obsessed CSI crowd, but is actually pretty powerful, as is the similarly themed Mothers, murderers and mistresses: Empresses of Ancient Rome (DRK, Wed Aug 17, 22:15); and there’s another chance to see the six-episode doc series Race for the White House (DR2, Sat Aug 27, 00:55), which starts with Kennedy vs Nixon. (BH)

“Butt out buddy, this is my cab”

WITH AN insanely high score of 90 on Metacritic, the thrilling HBO eightpart miniseries The Night Of comes highly recommended. A young Muslim wakes up after a night of New Yorkfuelled sex and drugs and discovers his lover in a bloodbath.

Everyone thinks he’s guilty – even his lawyer (John Turturro in a role originally intended for James Gandolfini) – and his incarceration is no cakewalk. Based on the 2008 British series Criminal Justice, the first five episodes are available on HBO Nordic. MAIKEN RØNNEBERG IVAN ANDREEVICH

KIERAN LYNAM

SPORT OF THE WEEK TV2, Mon Aug 15, 03:25 2016 Olympics 100 metres final

3+, Aug 16, 17, 23 & 24 Champions League playoffs

Eurosport, all week from Aug 29 ...US Open

FILM OF THE WEEK

SVT1, Sat Aug 27, 23:10 The Sweeney

SVT2, Fri Aug 12, 21:45 Anna Karenina

.

DR2, Aug 14, 00:35 Making of the Mob: New York

PHOTOBOBIL

USAIN Bolt vs drugs cheat Justin Gatlin (will we get complaints from the US for stating the truth?) – 9.5 seconds of unmissable magic at the Olympics. Set your alarm clocks! Likewise, only night owls can enjoy the US Open tennis. Elsewhere, don’t miss the English Premier League (this season with Friday night action) and Champions League playoffs (pick is AS Roma vs FC Porto). (BH)

Grimacing, and not just at the smell of his feet

the “strong, multi-stranded storytelling style” of writer Chris Lang (creator of acclaimed UK miniseries Torn), and for its support cast, which includes Bernard Hill, Cherie Lunghi, Trevor Eve, Tom Courtenay and Gemma Jones. However, the Guardian felt the dialogue was “dodgy”, whilst the Independent found the story of the “promising whodunnit” tricky to follow. With a strong cast and a host of complex characters to explore, Unforgotten seems ready to live up to its name. SOHINI KUMAR

ALSO NEW

THE NIGHT OF

COMING SOON

23

SVT2, Thu Aug 18, 22:25

No

DYLAN Thomas love affair film The Edge of Love (DRK, Sat Aug 27, 21:25) includes singers Suggs and Lisa Stansfield, but neither are as miscast as Keira Knightley – in this and Tolstoy epic Anna Karenina. The pop royalty continues with Ben Drew (PlanB) in The Sweeney locking up villains with Ray Winstone. Still they can’t compare to No’s: General Pinochet. (BH)


Free of char ge Please si gn up a t ihcph.d k

Welcome Reception When

31 August 15.30-18.00 Welcome speech by Mayor Carl Christian Ebbesen, Culture & Leisure Administration, at 16.30

Where Copenhagen City Hall

Welcome! The region of Copenhagen and southern Sweden is a vibrant area, and at this event you will be introduced to some of the numerous cultural and leisure life activities within sports, music, voluntary work and much more. While you taste our delicious City Hall pancakes and experience surprise performances, you can meet representatives from a variety of sports associations, libraries, museums and culture houses. We hope to see you at the Welcome Reception!


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