On 9 June 2025, the Zeux - Materialinitiative Chemnitz project was opened at Stadtwirtschaft Chemnitz. It creates a unique place in the city: an open platform for collecting, passing on and creatively recycling materials that would otherwise end up in the rubbish bin. With Zeux, Subbotnik e.V. is creating a lively alternative to the throwaway society - and at the same time the first public space in Chemnitz dedicated to the sustainable use of resources. Ecological awareness, cultural exchange and social innovation come together here - and invite everyone to join in. Preserving materials - rethinking resources At the centre of the initiative is the idea of saving surplus materials from culture, industry, trade, commerce and private households from disposal. Instead of ending up in the rubbish bin, these materials are collected, sorted, processed and made available for further use. Creative artists, initiatives, educational institutions and committed individuals can purchase them from Zeux for small amounts - and breathe new life into them.
With this approach, Zeux opens up new access to raw materials, promotes creative repurposing and invites people to actively engage with consumer behaviour and sustainability. There has never been a comparable programme in Chemnitz before - Zeux thus closes an important gap between ecological responsibility, cultural practice and community involvement. A place of encounter and collaboration Zeux is much more than a material depot - it sees itself as an open platform for joint design, learning and networking. In close cooperation with local stakeholders, a lively network is created here that focuses on the circular economy and the common good. Workshops, dialogue formats and collaborative projects make the location a space for ideas, cooperation and sustainability in practice. As part of the nationwide network Initiatives for Material Cycles, Zeux is actively involved in the dialogue on the sustainable use of resources. The project is located in the Stadtwirtschaft Chemnitz - an intervention area of the European Capital of Culture 2025 and a national urban development project. The Stadtwirtschaft is a creative meeting place for production, cultural work and shared experiences - making it the ideal location for an initiative like Zeux.
The material initiative was initiated by the main project Maker, Business & Arts of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 together with the Chemnitz Community Foundation and the Chemnitz Environmental Centre. It is the result of numerous network meetings between institutions and individuals who are committed to the sustainable use of materials in Chemnitz.
Further information can be found at www.zeux-chemnitz.de
ZEUX materials initiative opened
