On Thursday 13 December 2018, councillor Paul de Rook officially launched the Language No Problem logo in the Stadsschouwburg Groningen, prior to a performance of Dorian by the Noord Nederlands Toneel. The logo is especially aimed at international residents of Groningen. It marks all events where language constitutes no barrier for internationals, such as English concerts, theatre performances, and films with subtitles as well as languageless dance performances and exhibitions.
Groningen is becoming increasingly international. The city has more than 17,000 residents with a non-Dutch nationality, almost half of which are international students. It is expected that this number will increase in the future.
Cultural organisations in the city see more and more international students and expats among their audiences. To inform them about their programmes, they developed the Language No Problem logo. If an event is marked with this logo, it is suitable for internationals. The logo is an addition to the recently developed English cultural agenda Here & Now.
The term Language No Problem is used by several cities in the Netherlands already and from now on Groningen will use it too. Groningen’s Language No Problem campaign is an initiative of the Groninger Museum, Noord Nederlands Toneel, Club Guy & Roni, Noord Nederlands Orkest, Groninger Forum, Grand Theatre, De Oosterpoort & de Stadsschouwburg in collaboration with City Central, Marketing Groningen, Here & Now, and Het Akkoord van Groningen.