Funded small cultural projects in Chemnitz: reading and discussion of political topics

Ufer e. V. addresses political issues in two events

"Western men are oppressed, discriminated against and feminised, they are threatened with extinction."

This is the mantra of men's organisations, fraternity members and anti-feminist masculists, right through to neo-right-wing misogynists and neo-Nazis. This narrative isincreasingly being publicised. But what does it mean for our coexistence when people blindly follow this mantra? Where does this attitude come from and how do we recognise such circles?

The relevance of the debate is more than evident in our city. Not least because male-dominated groups are repeatedly taking over the streets of Chemnitz. Chemnitz and the surrounding area is one of the areas in which these groups form, format and instrumentalise themselves. With the support of the city of Chemnitz, Ufer e. V. brought Tobias Ginsburg and all his expertise to Chemnitz - to the Weltecho - on 7 December 2022. Low-threshold, somewhat comedic and, above all, exciting and shocking at the same time, Tobias Ginsburg informed and warned of the first signs and the frightening effects of such movements. As an investigative journalist, he spent years living undercover in right-wing networks and shared his experiences with the visitors. He read exciting passages from his accompanying non-fiction book "Die letzten Männer des Westens" (The Last Men of the West) and gave new, dark insights into how right-wing extremists use identity crises and anti-feminism to reinforce their ideology. In addition to the odd chuckle, the sold-out Weltecho was nevertheless filled with shock at the end. In subsequent discussions with each other and with Tobias, it became clear time and again that there is a need for action, especially in Chemnitz, and that it is dangerous to ignore the first signs. A successful and important event.

"PROJEKTION POLITLUX" - Political topics illuminated by pop culture

Ufer e. V. asked itself what responsibility it bears as a cultural organisation for political education and participation. How can they provide their target group with low-threshold access to this and how do they manage to involve these people in a political discourse? Can culture contribute to the preservation of democracy, does it even have to?

Current developments in Chemnitz's urban society - such as the increasing acceptance of right-wing extremist ideas and attitudes - make us ask the above questions more intensively than ever. We have a responsibility to preserve critical and free cultural programmes. These will only continue to exist in a progressive society based on democratic values. Based on this conviction, Ufer e. V. sees it as extremely relevant to provide people with a low-threshold offer on political topics and discourse through its pop-cultural framework.

The PROJEKTION POLITLUX event series sheds light on political topics in a wide variety of ways - from classic readings to cinema films followed by discussions, political exhibitions, political speed dating and political parties.

This series was launched in December with the support of the city, which aims to create individual space for political education, discussions and participation. The first event focussed on the topic of "Western left-wing dogmatism in relation to the Russian war of aggression". The journalist and activist Anastasia Tikhomirova, who has made a name for herself in various media such as Zeit, Taz and various post-east groups, especially since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, gave a keynote speech. Due to her political networking with activists in Russia and Ukraine, she has been able to establish herself as an expert on the war in Ukraine. In the club - the other party location - her excursion through history to the present day was followed. A lively debate afterwards provided a good overview of the different attitudes in Chemnitz.

Both events were subsidised as part of the City of Chemnitz's small project funding.