As the European Capital of Culture, Chemnitz will be hosting around 150 projects and 1,000 events in the coming year. A major exhibition on the Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, a tour of national and international art through the surrounding area and a contemporary opera premiere of Werner Bräunig's novel "Rummelplatz" are planned. At the same time, sports culture will be celebrated. To this end, there will be a cross-border cycle tour based on the former International Peace Ride. Visitors can also look forward to a number of festivals on topics such as democracy, street art and contemporary art. For example, a former lignite-fired power plant will be transformed into a gallery for contemporary art.
Designed by the region, for Europe
The program is special because it was created by the people of Chemnitz and the Capital of Culture region, explained program director Stefan Schmidtke. "It reflects their needs and wishes." Culture plays an indispensable role for peaceful coexistence in Europe and contributes to understanding, emphasized Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Alliance 90/Greens) in a statement. "The cultural program shows in an impressive way where the cultural heart of Europe will beat in 2025: in Chemnitz!"
In the final for the title of Capital of Culture for 2025, Chemnitz beat Nuremberg, Magdeburg, Hildesheim and Hanover in 2020. The program is entitled "C the Unseen". It not only alludes to the city's own underdog role among the big cities. The aim is to make the hidden visible in a variety of ways and at the same time address the "silent center" of the urban population, which has increasingly retreated into the private sphere in recent decades.
Chemnitz and Nova Gorica celebrate together
In addition to Chemnitz, Nova Gorica in Slovenia will also be the European Capital of Culture next year. The opening of the Capital of Culture year will be celebrated in Chemnitz on January 18 with a large street festival including artistic activities.
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