The Fritz Heckert residential area in Chemnitz was one of the largest prefabricated housing estates in the GDR, generously laid out with plenty of green and open space. The standardised flats were once considered progressive and modern, but with the fall of communism they lost their appeal. People moved away, houses were demolished. The open spaces have become larger. But who are the people who live there today? From 16 August, the Kiosk of Ignorance will be a temporary meeting place in the midst of this change. Local residents will fill the shop with their memories and visitors will get to know "das Heckert" from new perspectives. Cultural events will accompany the shop.
During the three weeks from 16 August to 7 September, Chemnitz initiatives, associations and artists will use the kiosk as a stage, studio and meeting place. The programme includes poetry slams, comic workshops, dance and club culture - spontaneous interventions invite visitors and passers-by to explore. The exact programme will be available shortly at chemnitz2025.de/kiosk
Prefabricated housing estates are rarely considered a tourist highlight. The Kiosk of Ignorance turns the tables: visitors from outside the area can pick up souvenirs and unusual travel tips for the Fritz Heckert area, including a change of perspective. Because unlike conventional shops, the kiosk is not stocked with goods, but with stories, memories and encounters. Residents of the Fritz Heckert neighbourhood are invited to share their impressions: What did the neighbourhood look like in the past? What characterised everyday life? Are there any old photos, newspaper cuttings or memorabilia from festivals? Which places do people associate with special memories? Participation is expressly encouraged, as the focus is on the involvement of local people.
Local residents are invited to actively participate in the visual design of the kiosk. From 28 to 30 July, people will be printing, dyeing and decorating together at several laundry sites in the Kappel district and at the UK Textil children's and youth centre. Everyone can take part, get creative and contribute their view of the neighbourhood. On Monday, printing takes place in the UK children's and youth centre, on Tuesday and Wednesday in three laundry areas in Kappel:
29. August, 14:00-17:00, Laundry Square 1,
50°48'24.4 "N / 12°53'00.7 "E, https://maps.app.goo.gl/boXEBqH7moZznxWy8
30. August, 11:00-14:00, Laundry Square 2
50°48'22.1 "N / 12°53'16.3 "E, https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2ceMSuTm1eca5sMA
30. August, 15:00-18:00, Laundry Square 3
50°48'29.9 "N / 12°53'28.1 "E, https://maps.app.goo.gl/qiTVd11yCeSWaQzS6