“SORRY, WE*RE OPEN” – Aktionswochenende Ebertplatz

In the organizer's words:

From July 11 to 13, Brunnen e.V. (association of art spaces) and Unser Ebertplatz invite you to a three-day weekend of action - as a visible sign for the preservation and further development of Ebertplatz as an open, diverse art and culture location in the heart of Cologne.

Some of the highlights:

• Friday, July 11, from 2 p.m.: opening speeches, presentation of the new wayfinding system, 20 years of LABOR, party, and much more.
• Saturday, July 12, from 11.00 a.m.: Brunch with participatory ideas workshop, concerts, outdoor cinema, VIBES Day, and much more.
• Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 11.00 a.m.: All-day dance battle, lunch cube with pizza and table tennis

What is it all about?

The future of Ebertplatz is currently up for debate. The city wants to make a decision on what to do with the square before the end of this year: Conversion of the existing building? Partial demolition? Or a completely new building? In the run-up to this decision, three of the five entrances to the passage are to be permanently closed.

The square already shows what is possible today: it is a cultural hub, social meeting place and public space of opportunity.

The action weekend highlights the potential of the existing architecture and infrastructure. In the spirit of the real-world laboratory currently being implemented, the density and diversity of use of the passage is to be expanded. New spatial possibilities will be tested with temporary interventions. We will show how the existing square can be constructively developed further - and invite you to actively participate in the discussion and design.

All events are free of charge and open to everyone.

The program at a glance:

• Friday, July 11
  • From 2 p.m.: Lunchcube - art for lunch, lunch on a donation basis
  • From 4 p.m.: Public participation in the Ebertplatz model by raumwerk.architekten
  • 5 p.m.: Inauguration of the new mobile dance floor
  • 6 p.m.: Introduction to the new guidance system
  • 7 p.m.: Opening speeches and statements on Ebertplatz
  • Afterwards: 20 years of LABOR: Artist Summer Camp with DJ and pop-up bar
  • From 10 pm: Party in the project space
  • Also: Performative drawing with the Ladies Drawing Clüb Barcelona, table tennis, presentation of the street work team, hands-on activities and much more.
    
• Saturday, July 12
  • From 11 a.m.: BrunchCube with public workshop to embellish the Kunstpassage with raumwerk.architekten and startklar a+b
  • 1 pm: Brunch concert with Bruitkasten (Impakt Kollektiv)
  • 2 pm: Artist Talk + Screening: Nezaket Ekici and Dr. Rahab Njeri invited by Schlingensief's Operndorf Afrika
  • 3:30 pm: Test tour of the new guidance system
  • 4 pm: VIBES DAY by Creating Community Cologne e.V. - West African food on a donation basis, invited by Schlingensief's Operndorf Afrika
  • 8 p.m.: Outdoor cinema as part of Memories of Today
  • 9 pm: Outdoor games evening and Ebertplatz Bullshit Bingo in the project space
  • 10 p.m.: Epic Karaoke Night
  • Also: children's program from 2 pm to 8 pm, drawing workshop with Ladies Drawing Clüb Barcelona, (screen) printing workshop, hands-on activities, pop-up bar
    
• Sunday, July 13
  • From 11 am: all-day dance battle as part of the Memories of Today Festival
  • Also: Lunchcube with table tennis and pizza
  • 4 pm: Guided tour of Ebertplatz and through the art spaces
  • 8 p.m.: Closing procession