Zug grows into a cultural role

Dolfi Müller: Zug has had urban structures for centuries now, and in economic terms, we've been a city for some time – not merely because there are now as many jobs here as there are inhabitants, but also because the services that we have are worthy of a city. What we now need to do is to strike the right balance between these urban characteristics and maintaining the heart and soul of a traditional medium-sized town.

Müller: It's the community spirit that has built up over centuries and that can be seen in the commitment of the local population – the highly active residents' associations are a good example of this, with two new ones having just been created. The cultural life is also unique and very wide-ranging for a town of only 26,000 inhabitants, and we need to give it even more support if we are to make sure that Zug doesn't lose its identity as it grows into a city.

Müller: I don't think it's quite as drastic as that, but it is true that we have to bring together people from two different spheres – namely business on one side, residents on the other. Zug is definitely very open to this though. The Postplatz is going to become a real meeting place, particularly when the big new cinema is built there.

Müller: We are definitely looking at making Zug a livelier place, but I'm not a fan of transplanting things in, so I can't imagine having a water park in Zug with slides like at Alpamare. We are planning alternative places for youngsters to meet up, in particular with the further development of the Galvanik into a Zug version of the "Rote Fabrik". The old town and the overall development of Zug are on the agenda for the next town council meeting, but you have to remember that there are people who have been living in the old town for nigh on 70 years now, and they want some peace and quiet when they go to bed at 10 pm.

Müller: New efforts are being made to change this. We are looking at organising a regular accordion festival for example. We want Zug to make a name for itself as a city of culture, like Willisau with its jazz events and Stans with its music days. Something like that needs to grow from within, however. Another project that is definitely worthy of a city is the new art gallery that is planned. This would be the opportunity to create a significant cultural meeting place at an attractive location such as the Schützenmatt. It should be a place for everyone to go – not just for the art but as a place to drop in and have a coffee. Anyone with any interest in culture should be excited by this project.