Chemnitz kicked off its year as European Capital of Culture last weekend with an impressive opening show and numerous celebrations. More than 80,000 people flocked to the city center to celebrate the start of a year that will put the region at the heart of Europe with over 1,000 planned events. The kick-off was supported by the Volkswagen Group, which provided transportation for the guests and participants as a mobility partner.
Art and culture as a bridge between people and regions
The motto of the Capital of Culture year is to connect people through art and culture. Chemnitz will be the center of a cultural region that includes 38 municipalities from the Ore Mountains, Central Saxony and the Zwickau region. For Volkswagen, this commitment is more than just a partnership. "Art and culture make a decisive contribution to social cohesion. They connect people from different backgrounds and create shared experiences," said Gunnar Kilian, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. This vision fits perfectly with the goals of Chemnitz 2025, which aims to strengthen access to culture for all.
A year full of cultural highlights
The opening weekend was just the prelude to a program that will keep the region on the move throughout the year. Planned VW initiatives such as a volunteer program, in which citizens are actively involved in the implementation of the events, or the Garage Campus, a creative space for exchange between artists and cultural workers, underline the cooperative approach. A major street art project, which aims to transform Chemnitz and the surrounding communities into a living work of art, is also part of the cultural vision for the year.
Social responsibility in focus
The sponsorship of Chemnitz 2025 is part of Volkswagen's comprehensive commitment to art and culture. In the Saxony region in particular, the Group wants to set an example with this project and make a long-term contribution to the development of a vibrant cultural region. "As a long-standing partner of the region, we want to sustainably increase the visibility of Chemnitz and Saxony and contribute to creating a vibrant cultural region in which all citizens can participate," Kilian continued.
from left to right: Danny Auerswald, Managing Director of Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH, Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Human Resources and Trucks, Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of Saxony, Dr. Thomas Steg, Chief Representative of the Volkswagen Group and Head of External Relations, Andreas Handschuh, Head of the Saxon State Chancellery. Photo: Volkswagen / Photographer: Hannes Wichmann
Invitation to join in and discover
With more than 1,000 events, Chemnitz 2025 offers a stage for artistic diversity and cultural encounters throughout the region. The Volkswagen Group's support is part of a comprehensive commitment that aims to increase the visibility of the Saxony region and create a vibrant cultural region. "Especially in times that demand social cohesion more than ever, we want to set an example for cultural diversity and strengthen local solidarity," emphasizes Gunnar Kilian.
Source: Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH
