One year after the start of the application phase for the funding programme "EUJA! Initiative Projects for the Capital of Culture" funding programme, the results are now available: Around 120 projects from individuals, associations and initiatives have been approved within the programme and will be implemented over the course of 2025. The total funding amount totals 505,000 euros. The programme comprised three funding pillars with different focal points: the special fund "Places of Awakening", the special programme "Microprojects on Intervention Areas" and the special programme "Civic Engagement". EUJA!" was initiated by the City of Chemnitz, which was able to win over the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH, Sparkasse Chemnitz and Grundstücks- und Gebäudewirtschafts-Gesellschaft mbH (GGG) as project partners.
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze draws a positive balance: "The 'EUJA!' funding programme is a complete success - it shows how great the creative potential is in our city. As the city of Chemnitz, we have created a framework in which civic engagement can grow. I am particularly pleased about the diversity of the funded projects - they reflect the new beginnings, the personal initiative and the desire to help shape our Capital of Culture year."
Special fund "Places of new beginnings"
The City of Chemnitz provided 180,000 euros for the special fund "Places of New Beginnings". A total of 34 project applications were submitted. Following consultation in the Cultural Advisory Board and a resolution in the Cultural Committee, 18 projects were selected to be realised in the intervention areas Garagencampus, Stadtwirtschaft, Karl-Schmidt-Rottluff-Ensemble and "Stadt am Fluss".
The aim was to make these new urban spaces an active experience. The aspect of sustainability also played a role in the selection of the projects. As places of urban development, the Stadtwirtschaft and Garage Campus in particular should offer long-term space for creative uses and encounters in both a local and European context. The range of funded projects extends from the joint design of a tram by children and young people to an international music festival and artist collaborations in the Garage Campus.
Micro-projects on intervention sites
In the funding pillar "Microprojects Intervention Areas - Public Spaces", funded by the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH with up to 50,000 euros, 21 of 33 submitted projects can be supported.
Smaller, creative projects that use simple means to contribute to the cultural revitalisation of intervention spaces will be supported. The "Malathon" in Küchwald, for example, invites people to become artistically active on 42 trees. "Soundwalking the Culture Trail Höhenweg 2025" opens up the Höhenweg intervention area through guided sound walks. With the "Big Jump Chemnitz 2025", the city of Chemnitz is taking part in the Europe-wide River Bathing Day for the first time - a symbolic start and call to use the newly created riverbank areas of the "City by the River" intervention areas. Dance culture is also represented: An open salsa initiative provides uncomplicated dancing opportunities in the fresh air.
Andrea Pier, Commercial Director of Chemnitz 2025 gGmbh, says: "It's simply impressive how many different projects are being realised and how many people are behind them. It's particularly nice that the intervention areas are being filled with life: After all, it is part of the Capital of Culture legacy to continue using them as places of creativity and togetherness beyond 2025."
Special programme "Civic engagement"
A large proportion of the "EUJA!" applications were submitted as part of Sparkasse Chemnitz's special "Civic Engagement" programme. Dr Michael Kreuzkamp, Chairman of the Board of Sparkasse Chemnitz: "We are overwhelmed by the demand and the diversity. That is why we have increased our initially planned funding budget from 200,000 euros to 275,000 euros. We are also supporting projects via our Capital of Culture donation pot on our crowdfunding platform 99Funken."
Sparkasse Chemnitz is a partner of more than 100 Capital of Culture projects. A total of 80 of these are supported via the special "Citizen Engagement" programme. These include the open-air exhibition on the Chemnitz Mikveh, the "Chemnitz Moves" exhibition at the main railway station, the Brickfilm Festival, the Street Floorball Tour in Chemnitz, the Röhrsdorf Culture Week and the World Cup cycling tournament.
GGG as a partner in the realisation
Grundstücks- und Gebäudewirtschafts-Gesellschaft mbH (GGG) is supporting the "EUJA!" programme as a central point of contact and operational partner. Two employees were continuously available as contacts for applicants via the telephone advice hotline and the central email address. They reviewed around 290 submitted applications, answered around 750 emails and conducted around 350 telephone counselling sessions. The close exchange within the coordination team of the funding programme, the quick response to queries and the solution-oriented communication with the applicants have contributed significantly to the positive perception of "EUJA!".
Simone Kalew, Managing Director of GGG: "The successful implementation of the 'EUJA! With clear structures, close dialogue and a reliable local contact, a lot can be achieved - and in a short space of time."
List of "EUJA!" projects at www.chemnitz.de/euja