An idea for discussion: Chemnitz European Capital of Culture 2025
The city of Chemnitz could become European Capital of Culture 2025. In order to prepare a corresponding application, the idea is to be discussed and developed with the people of Chemnitz over the coming months. Mayor Barbara Ludwig, Head of Cultural Operations Ferenc Csák and Theatre Director Dr Christoph Dittrich provided information on this project today at Chemnitz City Hall. The idea for the bid was developed with the leaders of the CDU/FDP, Linke, SPD, Bündnis 90/Grüne and Vosi/Piraten parliamentary groups as well as a number of players from the worlds of culture, business and science. Now the people of Chemnitz are invited to become part of the project with their ideas. The final decision on an application will be made by Chemnitz City Council.
"The tension between identity and change is a key European issue. I am convinced that Chemnitz can be a strong, fascinating Capital of Culture," says Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig. "And that's why we have the courage and self-confidence to put the idea of becoming Capital of Culture on the agenda. In many ways, Chemnitz is an example of the present and future of Europe.
Our city has experienced upheavals and profound changes in the past, but we have mastered them. This characterises us and makes Chemnitz what it is today. We are not afraid of new things, but are, sometimes inevitably, a field of experimentation. And right now it's all about identity, belonging and dealing with change. We have experienced this many times and even literally with our city name. Change is more part of the lifeblood of Chemnitz than in any other German city. And we look forward to being discovered and surprised."
Chemnitz was an industrial metropolis and became a model socialist city after the destruction of the Second World War. After reunification, the city had to find itself anew. Economic and cultural progress have always gone hand in hand. And the city has always struggled to find its identity. About how we see ourselves, whether and how we are perceived, who we want to be, what is beautiful here. Chemnitz - Karl-Marx-Stadt - Chemnitz: people are preoccupied with the question of their own identity. Not just here, but in many places.
If you want to become a Capital of Culture, you have to offer more than a series of events or classically beautiful architecture: it's about showcasing the special features and strengths of the city and developing a programme that promotes the European idea, strengthens the sense of belonging among citizens and is a driver for broad culture and sustainable urban development. Capitals of Culture find answers to questions and problems that many European cities are facing today and tomorrow.
"Culture is much more than art. It includes, for example, sport, physical culture, food, fashion, allotments, science, technology, pop culture and so much more," says Artistic Director Dr Christoph Dittrich. "Culture is the rituals of our everyday lives that we pass on to our children. If we manage to find experts from all these areas in our city and work together with them on the application, then we will have a wonderful intersection of everything that makes us who we are. And together we have a story to tell that is exciting for visitors from all over Europe."
Telling the story of our own city together - this is also the theme of the city's anniversary in 2018. The preparations for the city's 875th birthday are therefore deliberately intended to be a chapter in this story.
"You can only become Capital of Culture together," says Ferenc Csák, who was responsible for the successful Capital of Culture bid in Hungary in 2010. "Now is absolutely the right time to launch such a project. It is important to develop an idea that shows what is special about our city as part of Europe. The programme in the Capital of Culture year should have a Europe-wide appeal, make people curious about Chemnitz and at the same time lend a new quality to the interaction between culture, education and urban development. It is crucial that the ideas have a lasting effect. At least as important as the programme of events is the joint application process and what remains after 2025."
In previous European Capitals of Culture, these included the development of derelict sites, repurposed infrastructure, new cultural formats and collaborations, rising numbers of visitors and overnight stays, increased awareness, a changed image and a more colourful and lively city.
European Capital of Culture 2025 - how does the application work?
The European Capital of Culture 2025 will be designated by the Council of the European Union in 2021 following a multi-stage application process - two European cities will hold this title each year. In 2025, Germany and Slovenia will host the European Capital of Culture. The official application phase for the cities in Germany will begin at the end of 2018 and the final decision will be made in 2021. The European Union will support the entire selection process. In Germany, Weimar (1999) and Essen/Ruhr (2010) were last awarded the title of European Capital of Culture.