"Many cultures - one future": Intercultural Weeks 2013 in Chemnitz - Opening on the Neumarkt with stage programme
65 events in the programme from 21 September to 6 October - Premiere in Chemnitz: Intercultural Film Week from 7 to 13 October
Even if it is not immediately recognisable everywhere, people from different cultures living together is also part of everyday life in Chemnitz: after all, around 9,200 foreigners (3.8% of Chemnitz's population) from over 120 countries live in our city. According to Etelka Kobuß, Commissioner for Foreigners, they all recognise Chemnitz as their home and help to shape a common future here. The interaction between members of different cultures is therefore a fitting tribute to the motto of this year's Intercultural Weeks in Chemnitz: "Many Cultures - One Future". In order to make concepts and topics such as migration and integration, community and diversity, welcoming culture and multiculturalism, integration and inclusion authentic and also more tangible, Chemnitz's Foreigners' Representative Etelka KobiEtelka Kobuß, Chemnitz Commissioner for Foreigners, together with clubs, associations, educational organisations and many others, is inviting the people of Chemnitz to two series of events this year: The Intercultural Weeks from 21 September to 6 October 2013, which are also a good tradition in Chemnitz, and a premiere: the Intercultural Film Week from 7 to 13 October 2013, which is being held in Chemnitz for the first time.
The central kick-off event of the Intercultural Weeks will take place in the presence of Mayor Barbara Ludwig, patron of the Intercultural Weeks 2013 in Chemnitz, and the Saxon Commissioner for Foreigners, Professor Dr Martin Gillo, on Saturday, 21 September at Neumarkt.
From 11 am to around 7:30 pm, there will be a stage programme with and for people of many nations, developed, prepared and put together in cooperation with the Lila Villa Women's Centre of the akCente e. V. association, the AG In- und Ausländer e. V and not least with the help of committed individuals such as Omar Jamil, Marianella Reichel and Dmytro Remestvenskyy. Etelka Kobuß: "On this day, our city centre will be transformed into a large, colourful bazaar with plenty of inspiration, a unique stage programme and culinary delights. At the information stands of clubs, associations, initiatives and organisations working with, for and by migrants, you can find out about the wide range of offers - integration support and participation opportunities - in the city of Chemnitz. The varied programme promises an entertaining day for the whole family."
Line dance activities with a flash mob and crest dance, which are planned as part of the line dance world record attempt at Messe Chemnitz, organised by the Ikarus Line Dancers Chemnitz, the Bowling Ranch Line Dancers from Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge and the Lucky Train Line Dancers from Aue/Schneeberg, promise to be an atmospheric highlight.
According to Etelka Kobuß, the two-week series of events of the Intercultural Weeks 2013 in Chemnitz promotes encounters and exchanges between the majority society and migrants, using music and art as a bridge and mouthpiece between the cultures. A total of 65 events are on the programme for this year's Intercultural Weeks, including seven exhibitions, five theatre performances and four concerts as well as song recitals, seven events with literary encounters and one event on the subject of painting and design, 26 encounters and festivals, with associations and organisations also presenting themselves, 15 encounter events and one event on the subject of painting and design.organisations, 15 encounter events that aim to introduce people to countries, cultures and, not least, culinary discoveries, seven festivals and games, especially for families with children, and six exercise and sports events.
For the first time in Chemnitz: Intercultural Film Week
Directly after the Intercultural Weeks, the theme will be continued with the Intercultural Film Week, which is being organised in Chemnitz for the first time. The author, film historian and journalist Claus Löser has taken on the patronage of the project. The film week is organised by the AG In- und Ausländer e. V. in cooperation with the city of Chemnitz's commissioner for foreigners. Entertaining and challenging intercultural films for children, young people and adults will be presented at CineStar Chemnitz, Weltecho and other venues. In cooperation with other partners, talks and discussions will also be held with filmmakers and protagonists, among others.
Etelka Kobuß: "We are very much looking forward to this film week. Saying welcome is a good old tradition. We warmly welcome you to our diverse intercultural events and hope you will bring the culture of welcome to life."
The complete programme of the Intercultural Weeks 2013 and the Intercultural Film Week: is available online at www.chemnitz.de
Contact for enquiries: Foreigners' Representative Etelka Kobuß, c/o City of Chemnitz, Social Welfare Office, Annaberger Straße 93, 09120 Chemnitz, phone: 0371 488 5047,