Capital of Culture ideas between cookies and the smell of mulled wine. On December 17th we were at the Christmas market with our own stand and talked to interested people about their wishes for the future of Chemnitz. Much of this coincided with the topics of past discussions: So it was again about a better network of cycle paths, about hiking routes in the cultural region possibly including a Kneipp route, about the promotion of local art and culture, the revival of industrial wastelands like the former Wanderer Werke or ORSTA Hydraulik, more dance evenings for the Genration 50Plus or the end of hate.

There were also very concrete ideas again: For example, the creation of a barrier-free trolley track, the edge of which, including curbs, could be designed by schools, kindergartens or Chemnitz associations, such as the Kunstfabrik, Fablab etc. Also suggested was a stage in the city park for culture and sports, more public seating with tables was also requested, or hammocks, ping-pong tables, sports equipment for adults, a chessboard or international playing facilities in the public space – all wonderful suggestions for our plaza project next year. The people of Chemnitz are already called upon to create ideas for the conversion of public areas and squares – so many suggestions on just one day at the Christmas market really make you curious about the coming weeks. Until 28 February, we will be collecting the ideas in order to select the most popular five projects in a subsequent voting and implement them together. In short: It remains exciting, especially as it is already clear that there is no shortage of good ideas for a colourful Chemnitz.

More about the place project here.