In the volunteer editorial team, Volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 publish reports on their experiences, assignments and adventures around the European Capital of Culture.
Kerstin is 59 years old and works as an office communications clerk. Born in Burgstadt, she is a volunteer at various Chemnitz 2025 events; among other things, she launched the countdown to the European Capital of Culture year together with Lord Mayor Sven Schulze and other guests.
On 21 and 22 June 2025, Chemnitz City Hall was transformed into a place full of creativity, technology and inventiveness. At the "makers united", crafts, science, art and technology come together - a real festival to join in, try things out and be amazed. Whether young or old - there is something for everyone: programming robots, trying out 3D printing, sewing, weaving baskets or experimenting with artificial intelligence and virtual reality - makers united promises a wide range of activities. The event brings together makers who are curious and want to try things out.
I was based at the Chemnitz Industrial Museum stand. It was already lovingly set up by the two museum employees and stocked with plenty of coloured pencils, drawing paper, wooden frames for weaving and the corresponding yarn when I arrived. The women had also brought along the "Balan City" game, which can usually be played in the industrial museum. The "Balan City" game is a game that can be roughly compared to the "Monopoly" game, but is about industry and its history. I explained to the children (and adults) how to weave small scarves and bracelets with the wooden frames, as there was a real, old and large loom right next to our stand. I gave tips on what you can experience in the industrial museum and encouraged the children and adults to visit the museum. It was my first time at this hands-on festival and I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of things on offer, from "programming a robot yourself" to "making Erzgebirge folk art".
Conclusion: "makers united" will take place again in 2026 - come along and don't forget to go to the industrial museum and play the "Balan City" game!