History of citizens - Insights into a Capital of Culture project: Generations in dialogue about change, ageing and Europe

Location

Our society is facing profound demographic changes - and with them the question of how to deal with old age, ageing and the stories it brings with it Particularly in cities like Chemnitz, one of the demographically oldest cities in Europe, this question is becoming a touchstone for social cohesion and cultural self-image.

The "History of citizens" project has embarked on a special journey: Young people interviewed contemporary witnesses about their lives in the 20th century - about upheavals, new beginnings, losses and finding meaning again. The conversations were recorded, artistically processed and presented in a variety of formats.

The evening event will provide an insight into the experiences, challenges and learning successes of this intergenerational work. What happens when a young person aged 17 meets an 80-year-old contemporary witness? What do they learn from each other? And how does this change our understanding of history, age and European identity? Because in the life stories of others, not only courage and dignity can be discovered, but also sources of strength to strengthen one's own resilience - in dealing with personal and social changes.

The event invites you to listen, ask questions and empathise - and shows how personal life stories can become a collective memory.

Panel guests:

Dr Ulrike Lynn, Chemnitz
Lisa-Maria Mehrkens, Chemnitz
Benno Schäffel, Chemnitz
Alexandra Takats, Chemnitz