Volunteer report: Dung turns to gold in Chemnitz - thoughts on the "Fischelant" project

Three wooden stands with open doors are labelled with the numbers 1, 2 and 3. Stand 1 has a table with papers in front of it, stand 2 is empty and stand 3 has a pink curtain. The area is covered with gravel flooring and buildings in the background.
Photo: Maria Eugenia Maxia

In the volunteer editorial team, Volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 publish reports on their experiences, assignments and adventures around the European Capital of Culture. 

Maria has been working as a volunteer for the European Capital of Culture since 2023. Maria loves Chemnitz and finds it exciting to find out what the motto "C the unseen" is all about.

Fabrizio de Andrè, a famous Italian singer-songwriter, wrote in one of his songs: "Nothing comes from diamonds, flowers grow from dung". But in Chemnitz, even dung turns to gold.

The motto "C the unseen" has never been more appropriate than for this project.

But what does "Fischelant" mean? It is a Saxon word that comes from the French and literally means 'guardian', but also 'clever'.

The "Fischelant" project is a work by Cosima Terrasse that offers visitors a unique experience. The art installation was realised in a group of five garages on the banks of the Chemnitz at Theaterstraße 70. The visit lasts 50 minutes and is a mix of impressions: see, discover, hear, smell, sip, marvel, have fun. There is also a bar where visitors can enjoy a drink while admiring the marvellous view of the river.

Admission is free and open to all, but booking is advisable to visit.

But how can dung turn to gold? And what is the Fischelant? Is it an animal? Is it a machine? I don't want to spoil the surprise and the fun and invite you to discover it for yourself.

This link leads to the Internet.

Scan the QR code to open the website on your device.