In the volunteer editorial team, Volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 publish reports on their experiences, assignments and adventures around the European Capital of Culture.
Julia has lived in Chemnitz since 2012 and has been part of the volunteer programme since February 2025 in order to make new contacts. In the process, she has met many different people - her interest in art and culture has been rekindled.
I signed up for the programme because it was to take place in Chemnitz. I imagined taking the tram to Sonnenberg and back on a sunny Sunday and enjoying a charming street festival. That would be a perfect end to the week! As is so often the case, I had only skimmed the description of the operation and was therefore surprised when I arrived at Jakobstraße 46 at around 11am. A colourful spectacle stretched out before me: colourful pavilions, a stage with a choir, a champagne reception, stalls with drinks and food, a children's race track, a visit from the Lord Mayor and the FabLab with its impressive rooms and equipment that encouraged creativity.
Balloons and bunting adorned the grounds and I knew this event was bigger than I expected. The event team greeted the volunteers warmly and handed out the tasks during a quick tour. Many of the volunteers already knew each other from previous assignments, but the warm atmosphere made everyone feel welcome and engaged in conversation. Without hesitation, volunteers jumped in to support each other during breaks, and drinks and meals were provided for everyone. This positive vibe was infectious and was reflected in the event team, exhibitors, musicians, FabLab supervisors, security staff and the many visitors. My shift flew by and I was supposed to leave at 4pm. But I met lots of other volunteers in civilian clothes and got chatting to them. I ended up staying until the end, when everyone was helping to pack up. "Are you still there?" many of them asked with amusement and a twinkle in their eyes as they passed me. I mention this because many of you know of missions where you counted the minutes until the end and swore never to come back for various reasons. I wish this place all the best for the future and many creative projects.