Chemnitz celebrates diversity
Under the motto ‘Embracing diversity – shaping the future’, the three-week series of events, held under the patronage of Lord Mayor Sven
Schulze. The official opening by Mayor Knut Kunze will take place on 12 September with the Festival of Cultures in the market square. Further welcoming addresses will be given by Saxony’s Commissioner for Integration, Martin Modschiedler, and Superintendent Frank Manneschmidt.
With over 50 information stands, the Festival of Cultures offers numerous opportunities for people to meet and exchange ideas. People with and without a migrant background are invited to celebrate together and get to know one another. The Festival of Cultures aims to
and to strengthen social cohesion. Furthermore, those interested can find out about integration services, various groups and organisations.
The stage programme is organised by residents of Chemnitz, both with and without a migrant background. Guests can learn dances from different cultures in workshops. Culinary delights – dishes from Kenya, Venezuela, Hungary, Ukraine, Vietnam, Madagascar, Turkey and many more – will also be on offer.
Over the following three weeks, there will be a varied programme featuring theatre, film, music, discussions, sport and workshops. The Intercultural Weeks in Chemnitz are organised under the leadership of the City of Chemnitz’s Migration Officer in collaboration with the Migration Advisory Board,
the Social Services Department, the AGIUA e. V. association for migration, social and youth work, the Lila Villa Women’s Centre within the akCente e. V. association, and with the support
from numerous Chemnitz-based associations and initiatives.
The event is funded by tax revenue based on the budget adopted by the Saxon State Parliament (Guideline on Integrative Measures), from grants in accordance with the City of Chemnitz’s guidelines on the awarding of grants in the field of art and culture, through a grant from the Bürgerstiftung für Chemnitz e. V., as well as through numerous donations and sponsorship from eins energie in sachsen.
It is more important than ever to highlight the successes of integration and the work of the organisations involved in integration, and to facilitate interaction. It is a celebration for everyone, whether or not they have a migrant background.