At its meeting today, Chemnitz City Council adopted the framework concept for the legacy of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025. This sets out both strategic objectives and specific measures for continuing, expanding or initiating new projects launched during the European Capital of Culture year. The aim is to secure and expand the impact and success of the Capital of Culture year in the long term. The legacy concept is to be implemented from 2027 onwards, with 2026 being a bridging year.
The Capital of Culture year is already showing clear positive effects: high visitor numbers, international attention and a strengthened self-image in the city and region. The legacy concept will determine how successful projects, brands and networks can be continued and what new initiatives will emerge from them. Cultural, social, economic and tourism aspects will be taken into account as well as European requirements.
The year 2026 will be used as a transition year to prepare structures and continue successful formats. This includes the planning of a UNSEEN Biennale, which will take place every two years from 2027, the continuation of the volunteer programme, new open calls for micro-projects and the use of intervention spaces such as the Garage Campus, Hartmannfabrik and Stadtwirtschaft. In addition, the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH is to be developed into a legacy company that will take on tasks such as coordination, communication, fundraising and strategic programme development.
Legacy will focus on the further development of a city and region worth living in, strengthening social cohesion and participation, expanding European networks and securing the tourism impetus of the Capital of Culture year. Offers such as maker hubs, programmes to promote democracy, international cooperation and new tourism narratives such as the Purple Path and maker tourism are to be permanently anchored.
The UNSEEN Biennale is being prepared as a central programme format. It is intended to bundle central projects, festivals and new initiatives, strengthen regional identity and at the same time create international visibility. Subject to funding, the programme will be implemented together with numerous local and regional partners.
The City of Chemnitz will provide up to €2 million annually for Legacy from 2026. Further measures will require additional contributions from the region and the Free State as well as funding and sponsorship. The legacy concept is to be included in the 2027/2028 budget plans.
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