Esch2022 prepares for official inauguration

Through co-creation and participation numerous public activities will commence in September 2021.

The European Capital of Culture would like to invite the residents of the border region to be a part of the Esch2022 inauguration. This will enable them to help shape the region through their interests and skills, implementing a lasting momentum in the Esch2022 region and beyond. At a press conference in the Bettembourg Castle, the Esch2022 team presented its strategy of co-creation and participation as well as the various inaugural projects.

"Through Esch2022, we want to release a creative energy that consists of cooperation, exchange, dialogue, active participation and co-creation. The scope of Esch2022 should extend beyond 2022. We are convinced that this goal can only be achieved through the active involvement of residents, guests and local participants from the Esch2022 region. We want to include participation and co-creation from big and small, old and young, throughout the Esch2022 cultural programme and not only during the inauguration this autumn." says Nancy Braun, General Director at Esch2022.

During the press conference, the Esch2022 team presented many inaugural projects planned for September 2021.

Panel Discussions, Workshops, and Special Events

The organ in Saint Martin’s Church in Dudelange will ring in the opening festival on 24 September. At the panel discussions, contemporary art and culture experts will share their expertise and invite guests to participate in a series of collaborative panels and discussions. The workshops, which will take place in Luxembourg and France, cover themes like artificial intelligence, urban agriculture, body language, dance, music and song. In addition to this, there will be a number of special events.

The opening event is also intended to be an opportunity for the public to take a look behind the scenes. Many of the inaugural projects are also part of the Esch2022 programme. For example, the project "La Marche des Oublié.e.s de l'Histoire", directed by Clotilde Moynot, invites visitors to sing with the theatre group Pièces Montées. Originally part of a theatrical and musical creation, two French songs composed by Marita Blanchard, will be used for rehearsals, and will debut in May 2022. Another example is the theatre project “Der Besuch der alten Dame” (The Visit of the Old Lady), which brings a team of professional artists and citizens-"Bierger"- of all ages, cultures and origins together. The rehearsals for this piece, created by citizens for citizens, are also open at the end of September.

A Creative Competition – Young People's Ideas for the Future of Space Travel

Under the sponsorship of the Minister of Education, Children and Youth in Luxembourg, the Dean of the Académie du Grand Est in France and in collaboration with the Luxembourg Space Agency and the Luxembourg Science Centre, Esch2022 invites schools from the Pro-Sud union and CCPHVA municipalities to the painting contest “Molconcours”, a Creative Competition – Young People's Ideas for the Future of Space Travel. Opening on 16 September 2021, this painting competition is primarily aimed at young students and space enthusiasts between the ages of 6 and 12. When a winner is chosen, the entire class wins. In addition to exciting prizes, the winners will meet former astronauts at the Maison du Savoir in Belval at the end of the year.

Future Frequencies - The Future Sound of Europe

The "Future Frequencies" workshops run by Esch2022, Frank Wiedemann and Matthew Herbert, are intended to promote meaningful artistic cooperation and to create a foundation for the open exchange of musical ideas extending far beyond the Esch2022 project. The workshops are aimed at established as well as aspiring composers, music producers, performers, and songwriters. Participants will have the opportunity to present their co-creations at the official Esch2022 opening.

Increasing the Local Value Together

The Esch2022 inauguration is closely linked to the "REMIX COMMUNITY". Through this volunteer programme and active participation, citizens will act as ambassadors for cultural diversity and give voice to an open and dynamic area. Under the theme REMIX Culture, Esch2022 wants to bring people, communities, institutions, cultural and social establishments, associations and artists closer together to celebrate the European identity of a border region and to shape the future together.