Volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 publish reports on their experiences, assignments and adventures around the European Capital of Culture.
Kristina lives in Neukirchen in the Ore Mountains. The former archivist and case manager has travelled to numerous events as a volunteer for Chemnitz 2025. She also enjoys writing. This gave her the idea of collecting the experiences of the volunteers - the starting signal for the volunteer editorial team.
I thought 'too late' when I wanted to sign up as a volunteer for the opening of the Chemnitz Garage Campus. The volunteer shifts on offer were already full. "No big deal. Taking part as a visitor is also something!" It was a good thing that the organisers had booked enough parking spaces on the Chemnitz Messe exhibition grounds for 21 and 22 March 2025. A shuttle bus shuttled incessantly between the trade fair centre and the garage campus during the two days of the festival.
The programme for the opening of the Garage Campus on Zwickauer Strasse was to be colourful, varied, entertaining and informative. It immediately brought back memories of the grand opening of the Capital of Culture year in January 2025. Except for the size of the event area. Here, the January weekend had the edge. Although - with 30,000 square metres of garage campus, this CVAG site is probably the largest of the 30 intervention areas next to the old Stadtwirtschaft. I didn't realise that. Over the decades, I had only noticed the administration building with the clock tower at the Kappel "tram station".
The tram museum is of course part of the garage campus. It has been housed in the former depot since 2002. Various trams and buses from all eras of Chemnitz tram history are exhibited here. Incidentally, one or two "Ikarus" buses will play an important role in one of the next projects in the Capital of Culture programme. My recommendation: make sure you get your tickets ! It's worth it.
21. March 2025, first day of the opening
I had to be patient with other people waiting to get in until 6.00 pm. The official opening of the Garage Campus was planned for 5.30 pm and reserved for invited guests.
Shortly after 6.00 pm, I headed straight for the main workshop - i.e. the big stage. The programme had already started. Musicians, singers, dancers and athletes took turns. The audience applauded enthusiastically. The atmosphere couldn't have been better.
"Culture arrives - CVAG" could be read on the attractively designed stage set. Aptly formulated. I liked it - the slogan. As soon as the programme was over, I was drawn to the neighbouring Alte Lackiererei.
A panel discussion had already begun. Conny Hartmann (moderator) was still introducing the participants. The General Director of the Chemnitz Art Collections, Dr Florence Thurmes, the city guide Ramona Wagner, also known as Bertha Hartmann, the Mayor of Culture Dagmar Ruscheinsky and the Mayor of Amtsberg, Mr Krause, together with two other guests, addressed the topic of "How will the Chemnitz intervention areas become part of the cultural landscape after 2025?" The talk was relaxed, informative and popular with the audience. There was no shortage of humour. Like me, many listeners probably had one or two aha moments. People not only want to realise their own ideas in the Garage Campus in 2025, but also beyond. The message of this talk has been doing the rounds ever since. New opportunities are opening up for all those who have not yet had their projects approved. This location will continue to thrive on the active participation of Chemnitz citizens.
22.March 2025, second day of the opening
I definitely didn't want to miss the sign language choir Monael & Friends. It worked. Listening to the song "Seite an Seite" by Christina Stürmer and seeing the choir signing at the same time was impressive. The deaf amateur artists received their well-deserved applause not by clapping their hands as usual, but by raising and turning their hands. The presenter had pointed out this special feature before the formation's performance. Music, sport and dance also dominated the programme on this day. Dirty Dancing, Udo Lindenberg and even a Chemnitz dance were honoured. The Köhler-Schimmel dance school, known across generations, delighted the audience with their choreographies. Speaking of Chemnitz dance and Chemnitz song. If my perception doesn't deceive me, there are several of them. I also discovered two podcasts on the net. You could organise them, choose THE Chemnitz song and have it danced to. Sorry - just an idea. Sorry again. Maybe I've missed something?
I used the rest of the afternoon to take a closer look at the hustle and bustle on the barrier-free site. There were plenty of offers for the physical well-being. A tram carriage that had been converted into a disco provided a great atmosphere. Younger visitors had fun with face painting and arts and crafts. The creative workshop was a hive of activity. In the evening, I wandered through the tram museum again on my way to the exit gate. Selfie after selfie was taken. Children young and old operated the hand-operated bells on "my" line 8 without interruption. My journey to school had started at Weststraße in the early 1960s and ended for me at the Kaßberg slip road. Line 8 continued to Ebersdorf and - of course - back again.
I must have been distracted by memories for too long. The last shuttle bus was gone. Bad luck. I was late again.