A cultural strategy for Chemnitz
Invitation to the "Cultural Strategy Debate Day" on Thursday, 3 May, 5 pm
Next Thursday, 3 May 2018 at 5 pm, Chemnitz residents are invited to the Event Centre of Sparkasse Chemnitz in Moritzhof, Bahnhofstraße 51, to find out about the current status of the draft cultural strategy and discuss it with representatives. The event will be attended by Ferenc Csák, Head of Cultural Operations, Egmont Elschner, Chairman of the Cultural Advisory Board, members of the steering team, the management team, the organisational team and the process team of the cultural strategy, representatives from the thematic groups and the Capital of Culture team. Admission is from 4.30 pm. Admission is free. Further information and the current draft of the city's cultural strategy can be found at: www.chemnitz2025.de/debattentag-kulturstrategie
The cultural strategy is a key component of the Capital of Culture bid. Many stakeholders and cultural politicians are already working together on the development of the cultural strategy for Chemnitz under the leadership of the City of Chemnitz's cultural organisation, building on the processes and results of the cultural development planning from 2004. The aim is to jointly develop a concept and action paper for a vibrant, diverse culture in Chemnitz.
Many discussions, workshops and meetings have already been taking place for two years, bringing together both institutions of high and basic culture as well as organisations from the creative industries, which are seen as an integral part of the development of the strategy in Chemnitz. In August 2016, this community of cultural activists and cultural policymakers also voted by a majority in favour of a bid to become the Capital of Culture.
Between August and November 2017, all cultural sectors met to discuss the cultural strategy, the Capital of Culture bid and the city's 875th anniversary. Six thematic groups each met three times, discussed the key focal points of the cultural strategy up to 2030 and underpinned their deliberations with concrete proposals for action. All members of the thematic groups discussed the results in future workshops. An editorial team was formed, which will now collate and consolidate the proposals.
One basic concern of the cultural strategy has already crystallised: culture should improve the quality of life, convey a desire for Chemnitz, a desire for culture in Chemnitz. The strategy will also include a clear statement: Having the courage to embrace the past while promoting innovation and advancing international work.
Cultural experts from Europe have been and will be consulted for the future cultural strategy. In April 2017, the city of Chemnitz was awarded the contract for coaching by international experts on the topic of cultural strategy as part of the European project "Culture for Cities and Regions". The coaching comprised twenty interviews and seven on-site visits to various organisations in the city.
In January 2018, Ib Christensen, Head of the Cultural Department of the Danish city of Aarhus, European Capital of Culture 2017, was a guest in Chemnitz. Among other things, he spoke with independent cultural organisations and heads of institutions about his experiences of the European Capital of Culture and cultural strategy and how the path to this was taken together with the citizens of Aarhus and the region.