Chemnitz Capital of Culture 2025: Intercultural dialogue inspires students!

Chemnitz Capital of Culture 2025: Intercultural dialogue inspires students!

On April 23, 2025, students from various European cities met at Chemnitz University of Technology to conduct an intercultural dialogue. The event took place as part of the Erasmus BIP project “Industrial Cities in Transition” and included twenty participants from the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) Lyon and the Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem. The program was organized by Jun.-Prof. Dr. Yolanda Lopez Garcia. The academic direction was in the hands of Dr. Dorothea Spaniel-Weise, Dr. Catherine Vincensini, Dr. Christian Bouet and Prof. Dr. Hana Bergerova.

The opening lecture by Prof. Dr. Titled “Making the City,” Cecile Sandten focused on transformative processes in post-industrial urban spaces, with Chemnitz serving as a central example. Sandten covered the cultural, political and environmental transformations the city is undergoing. Particular attention was paid to the industrial heritage and alternative urban development concepts in Chemnitz, known as the “Saxon Manchester”, in direct comparison with cities such as Mulhouse, Tampere, Gabrovo, Łódź and Manchester.

Discussions and collaboration

The students worked closely with fellow students from Chemnitz in four groups on the topics of culture, industry, politics and sustainability. The critical examination of media representations of Chemnitz was an important part of the discussions. At the end of the event, each group had the opportunity to meet Dr. Interview Miriam Schreiter. She shared her perspectives on developments in Chemnitz after the fall of the Wall.

The event concluded with a city tour led by students from the Intercultural Communication course at Chemnitz University of Technology. This tour gave participants valuable insights into the city as well as its transformation and visions for the future.

Chemnitz as Cultural Capital 2025

Chemnitz will be named European Capital of Culture in 2025, which will bring the region even more into focus. The city invites you to discover its diverse developments and industrial heritage. A supporting program will include a special exhibition in the Chemnitz Industrial Museum and numerous other events. These include guided tours, project days, tours, workshops, readings, film screenings and concerts that not only highlight the city's history and present, but also its visions for the future.

The transformation that Chemnitz is experiencing goes far beyond the mere renovation of industrial buildings. Former foundries are being converted into universities, spinning mills are being transformed into luxurious lofts, and factory buildings will in future serve as studio houses. The city is faced with the challenge of combining proven models of urban development with new, innovative approaches.

Overall, the event at Chemnitz University of Technology not only offers valuable intercultural exchange, but also contributes to the comprehensive discussion about the future of post-industrial cities. These issues are particularly relevant as the city prepares for its role as European Capital of Culture and is actively working on its transformation. Involving students from different cities makes it possible to further develop strategies and solutions that can be important for the entire region. These conversations and projects are part of a larger discourse about dealing with the industrial heritage in Chemnitz and its significance for European identity.

The city's extensive efforts to redefine its identity and preserve its cultural heritage offer exciting prospects for the future. Numerous events as part of the Capital of Culture offer both locals and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the living history and dynamic now of Chemnitz and to experience the city as a center for creativity and innovation.