On Sunday 20 September, from 2 pm to 5 pm, the third of three artworks from the ‘Ortskundig’ project will be officially unveiled at the rest area on the intervention site by the Fischweg Bridge (Chemnitztalstraße/Heinersdorfer Straße) on the Chemnitztal Cycle Route in Draisdorf: ‘miteinander?!’ by Peggy Albrecht. Visitors can look forward to a varied programme featuring musical entertainment, a creative hands-on activity and time for socialising and conversation.
Media representatives are also warmly invited.
The artwork, approximately nine metres long, was crafted from laser-cut Corten steel eight millimetres thick and is mounted on a concrete plinth in the meadow. Thanks to the steel’s characteristic rusted appearance, the artwork blends perfectly into the surroundings of this special location. The design by artist Peggy Albrecht was technically realised by the company Mehner Metallbau from Burgstädt.
Peggy Albrecht: “The site of the installation combines its location on the Chemnitz Valley Cycle Route with the rural surroundings of Draisdorf. This unique feature was intended to be reflected in the artwork. Thus, the wide variety of cyclists who use the cycle route are depicted on a long, tandem-like vehicle. It features the sporty ‘racer’ as well as the grandmother cycling at a leisurely pace, the young woman and the father with his child. From young to old and from fast to slow – everyone is part of this forward-moving community. As such, this installation is also a symbol of togetherness. Everyone is unique, but it is only by working together and showing consideration for one another that we can move forward safely. An important part of the artwork is the details that refer to the rural surroundings. Local animals and various plants complete and enrich the artistic design.”
Art project ‘Ortskundig’
‘Ortskundig’ is a project by the Chemnitzer Künstlerbund e. V. as part of Chemnitz 2025 – European Capital of Culture, funded by the City of Chemnitz through a dedicated arts grant under the ‘Art by the River’ initiative. This enabled three locally based artists to create artworks across three intervention sites.
The idea was to involve the public in the creative process from the very beginning, as art in public spaces should also be experienced and appreciated by the community. The aim of the project is not only to foster a sense of connection with the artwork, but also to strengthen the sense of belonging to the community.
The first artwork is the six-metre-high stainless steel sculpture ‘Yesterday is today will be tomorrow’ by Ronald Münch, which stands on the forecourt of the Hartmannfabrik. The second artwork is the sculpture ‘Treib Gut Rettungsring’ by Christoph Roßner, comprising 22 metal arches and 165 oak planks, situated on the intervention site beneath the viaduct over Annaberger Straße/Beckerstraße.
The total cost of the three artworks, including installation, amounts to 300,000 euros.