The ‘OPIA-concept is an invitation to local citizens and businesses as well as international communities to imagine, rally round, and create the living formats that we want for ourselves and each other. But ‘OPIA is also a tangible place, where everyone can experience and shape the future city. The ‘OPIA-format is about opening your city to ideas and solutions that can bring us all forward. Visible, clear, impact driven, open and irresistible answers to life at large in the collective organism of an urbansphere.

‘OPIA is a stage, a connector, an opening, and will help empower the individual to shape surroundings, help professionals to work together across sectors and industries, help showcase and network around the best imaginable city life. The ‘OPIA-format is first and foremost an exhibition format designed to attract city builders, public decision makers, businesses as well as the general public. But the concept holds a number of possibilities for expansion depending on your city’s desires and potential.

Thus, the expo can be expanded with conference activities, a web platform and social media initiatives. Just to name a few. In Aarhus, Aropia started as an exhibition of pilot projects from cities all over the world where people have taken extraordinary routes to change the living conditions in cities. The exhibition took place at the same day of an important City Council meeting, giving the smart city movement full attention from politicians, press, and the general public.

More information
For more information on the practicalities and outcome of AROPIA as well as your opportunity to host your own ‘OPIA, please feel free to contact Innovation Lab, who planned and coordinated the event on behalf of the Smart Aarhus-cluster under the Outsmart programme.
Contact Mirko Presser for further details.