This year, the Kunstfest has a → festival centre. From 21 August to 6 September, the Lichthaus on the e-Werk grounds is a central meeting place for everyone. From Thursday to Monday each week, you are invited to drop in, meet artists, or simply enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. A → free cultural programme featuring workshops, concerts, talks and hands-on activities is offering opportunities for exchange and unexpected discoveries.

Don’t just watch — get creative yourself! In → Electric Paint in collaboration with the Weimarer Mal- und Zeichenschule, we’re creating an interactive exhibition wall using conductive paint on 23 August. In the → Porcelain Design workshop with Isa Schreiber on 29 August, mugs are transformed into unique works of art. On 3 September, Kulturbrücke Palästina teaches you the → Tatreez embroidery technique, and on 5 September, Antonia Dieti leads an → Open (Printing) Workshop where you can design your own T-shirts, cloth bags and much more using screen printing, stamping and painting.

We are heading away from the festival centre for two special events. On 24 August, we are looking for music-loving participants to join a →Workshop with Tanja Krone at the Bürgerzentrum Weimar-West where they can develop songs for a later performance at the Gaswerk. On 29 August, → (German)Sign Language: Between Oppression and Linguistic Diversity at the LiteraturEtage (Eckermann Bookshop) offers insight into the history of this culture and an introduction to the practical basics of German Sign Language.

One of Kunstfest’s key themes is exploring lesser-known history. The multimedia exhibition → See My Story. Copyright by Madgermanes, sheds light on the experiences of Mozambican contract workers in the GDR, as well as the biographical consequences of agreements between the formerly socialist »brother countries«. The exhibition is accompanied by a film screening of → The Homes We Carry on 24 August, as well as two → City walks tracing the history of contract labour in Weimar on 24 August and 30 August. → Children’s guided tours will also be available on 22 August and 5 September.

On 6 September, to mark the conclusion of Kunstfest Weimar, a dedicated theme day → GEMEINSAM – GEGENWART – GEDENKEN (TOGETHER – PRESENT – REMEMBRANCE) explores questions relating to a pluralistic culture of remembrance. During the workshops → Lieder als Erinnerung (Songs as Memories) and → Dimensionen pluraler Erinnerungskultur (Dimensions of Pluralistic Memory Culture), as well as a → Panel discussion with Jens-Christian Wagner and Noa H. Kage, guests from the fields of education, academia, and the arts discuss the relationship between remembrance and solidarity in today’s society.

On four evenings, initiatives based in Weimar take to the stage at the festival centre to offer insights into their work and invite you to get involved. On 22 August, the Lichthaus team discusses → Future plans for the e-Werk on the spot. On 24 August, the Bündnis gegen Rechtsextremismus Weimar hosts a dinner and discussion on → Solidarity in Times of Disunity. On 27 August, catchy tunes meet karaoke and live music meets favourite records at the inclusive music evening, → Sing Pong with Lebenshilfe-Werk Weimar/Apolda. Finally, on 31 August, the Nuance Art association‘s short film evening → Die Macht der Verweigerung (The Power of Refusal) focuses on female self-assertion, screening two films by and starring the Iranian actress Sonia Sanjari.

What does Thuringia sound like? On 29 August, → Thüringen Supersong (Thuringia’s Super Song) takes you on a live audio drama road trip through musical cultures and pre-political spaces. The following day, on 30 August, → Lori Usai, winner of the Thuringia Grammy, performs with her live band Supporte Emotionale. Then, on 3 September, → Electric Deli create a summery vibe with their psychedelic guitars. As a festival – including, of course, the Kunstfest – is a time to party, we’re dancing the night away with you on 21 August at the → Opening party with DJ Malu, and on 4 September at the → Kunstfest party with DJs stormybaby and nokyaslyder.

Do come along! We look forward to seeing you!

→ More information on the festival centre