‘Open Up’ is the theme for Eurovision 2020

The slogan for the 2020 edition of Eurovision has now been revealed as ‘Open Up.’ The slogan and theme around the contest will probably act as the creative foundation for the show, which will be held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in May next year.

Executive Producer of next year’s contest Sietse Bakker has commented on the slogan, saying, ‘The slogan ‘Open Up’ is intentionally incomplete: Open up to each other. To music. To Rotterdam. Open up to… whatever you choose! Feel the freedom to complete the slogan in your own way. That way we get to know each other better’.

He continues, ‘We have looked for a theme and slogan that reflect what the Netherlands stands for and which the Dutch can identify with; a country with an open mind to the world, where we speak our mind, with respect for each other. We also found it important to choose a theme that reflects the spirit of our times. People are concerned about increasing polarization and freedom isn’t as self-evident for everyone as it should be. With the slogan ‘Open Up’, we warmly invite people to open up to others, to different opinions, each other’s stories and of course to each other’s music.’

Eurovision history

The slogan is also deeply connected with the history of Eurovision. A contest aimed at bringing nations together through music after a time of war. The contest has grown over its 65 year history, starting with 7 participating nations, and in recent years, we have seen over 40 nations participate in the contests including Australia.

Jon Ola Sand elaborates, saying. ‘Open Up is the perfect slogan for the Eurovision Song Contest as it celebrates its 65th edition. In 1956, only 7 countries could watch the competition and since then we have opened up to the whole of Europe, to Australia and now, via streaming, to the whole world. The values of the Eurovision Song Contest are universality and inclusivity, and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music. Now we can add a new one – that of openness.’