Chemnitz European Capital of Culture 2025

The Atelier was hosted by Chemnitz European Capital of Culture (ECoC). The ECoC initiative, established in 1985, annually awards a few cities in Europe with the title of "European Capital of Culture”. Over the years, this initiative has contributed to the sustainable development of cities and their surrounding regions, generating long-term cultural, social, and economic impact. In 2025, the two European Capitals of Culture were Nova Gorica / Gorizia (Slovenia/Italy) and Chemnitz (Germany).

The ECoC is a unique opportunity to promote Europe’s cultural diversity, as well as dialogue and greater mutual understanding between European citizens and beyond; to widen access to, and participation in culture; to strengthen the capacity of the cultural sector and its links with other sectors; to improve cultural infrastructure; to develop the skills, capacity, and governance of local and national assets; and to promote the city and its cultural programme.

Chemnitz locates itself as an Eastern European city in the German state of Saxony. The city and it's surrounding region are linked by a vibrant shared cultural and industrial heritage.

"C the Unseen" - the motto for Chemnitz 2025 was both an invitation and a program. The aim was to make the previously unseen and undiscovered visible. The title "European Capital of Culture" shined a spotlight on people, places and activities that have not yet been the focus of tourist attention. They wanted to show themselves and warmly welcome their guests. The ECoC program created experiences and encounters. It conveyed the past and present of the people who live here. New places were created as well as opportunities for active participation.