Making diversity visible: Photo competition started at Chemnitz University of Technology!

Making diversity visible: Photo competition started at Chemnitz University of Technology!

On March 11, 2025, the citizens of Chemnitz can look forward to an exciting cultural year as the city, together with Nova Gorica, was named European Capital of Culture 2025. The official opening of this prestigious award will take place on January 18, 2025 under the theme “C the Unseen”. The event will be an all-day spectacle in downtown Chemnitz and expects tens of thousands of visitors.

The highlights of the opening are a main show at 7:00 p.m. at the Karl Marx Monument, directed by Lars-Ole Walburg. Well-known artists such as Bosse, Paula Carolina and Fritz Kalkbrenner are part of the program, which will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on three stages with 23 acts, including the New Chemnitz Orchestra. The event sends a strong message against revanchism, xenophobia and nationalism.

Making diversity visible through a photo competition

In the run-up to the cultural celebrations, Chemnitz University of Technology is organizing a photo competition under the theme of diversity in order to “make diversity visible”. Both students and employees of the TU as well as citizens of the city and the region can take part. Photos can be submitted until April 30, 2025, with each participant allowed to submit a maximum of three digital photos. The best contributions will be honored on May 27, 2025, the nationwide Diversity Day, as part of an exhibition in the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology.

With a total prize value of 1,800 euros, the competition shows the commitment to social, cultural, gender, sexual, religious and age-related diversity. The project is supported by the Society of Friends of TU Chemnitz e. V. and the printing company Willy Gröer GmbH & Co. KG. Further information is on the website www.mytuc.org/photo competition to find.

A security and accessibility team

Extensive security measures are planned for the opening show in Chemnitz. The organizers ask that you only bring small bags and avoid glass bottles, weapons and political symbols. An awareness team is available to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. In addition, barrier-free access for people with disabilities is ensured, while public screens on Inner Klosterstrasse broadcast the program.

The EU not only awarded the two cities the title of Capital of Culture, but also awarded the Melina Mercouri Prize worth 1.5 million euros. This money is made available under the Europe program and is intended to help support collaborative cultural projects that strengthen civil society and build a network of European democracy builders.

The cultural celebrations in Chemnitz and Nova Gorica also represent an important part of the 40th anniversary of the ECOC initiative, which supports local and regional developments through culture. Numerous events, exhibitions and performances are planned for 2025 and promise to sustainably enrich cultural life in both cities.

Already on February 8, 2025, Nova Gorica will begin the celebrations with its own program in connection with the Italian city of Gorizia. Here the concept of boundaries is explored in a cultural and artistic context.

The European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 will send a significant signal for cohesion and cultural diversity and position the city on the European stage germany.representation.ec.europa.eu emphasized.