Review of 2024: January to March
Countdown to the opening of the Capital of Culture year
In March, the Chemnitz School Theatre Week celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over five days, 250 children and young people from Chemnitz and the region presented their stories on the stages of the Spinnbau theatre. The plays address important issues of the day, provide fuel for discussion and are also full of humour and fun. The anniversary week marked the completion of a quarter of a century of school theatre: 25 years of children and young people performing theatre, creating a wealth of touching moments with their plays and enchanting their audiences.
Chemnitz Thaler of Honour awarded for the first time
At the Mayor's New Year's reception, six committed citizens received the "Chemnitzer Ehrentaler" for their voluntary work in various areas. Claudia Großkopp received the award for her work in the Straßenbahnfreunde e. V. association, while Christian Kulik was honoured for his promotion of young talent in sport and his commitment to SSV Textima Chemnitz e. V. Wolfgang Möbius is involved in the "Sigmund Jähn" cosmonaut centre, Eckart Roßberg is active in the district council and the Sonnenberg History Working Group. Christine Esche was honoured for her commitment to the Wittgensdorf Culture and Local History Association and Katrin Stephan-Kunert received the "Ehrentaler" for her work in the "Gemeinsam für Glösa e. V." association
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze emphasised the importance of their commitment, which contributes significantly to the cohesion and diversity of Chemnitz's urban society.
Stefan Heym Prizes awarded
In February, five prizewinners were honoured with the International Stefan Heym Prize of the City of Chemnitz, including Ingrid Schreyer for her book project "Encounters with Stefan Heym".
City of Chemnitz establishes the new employer brand
The City of Chemnitz introduced a new employer brand to counteract the shortage of skilled labour and fill vacancies more quickly. This was based on surveys and workshops with employees as well as an analysis of internal and external perceptions.
The new career portal www.karriere.chemnitz.de combines several items: current job advertisements, brief insights into the areas of work, authentic ambassadors, a new image video and, of course, the reasons for working for the City of Chemnitz and much more. The aim is to position Chemnitz as a
as a modern and attractive employer that attracts skilled labour.
Chemnitz Peace Day sets an example
The Peace Day included commemorative events, prayers for peace and vigils to set an example for peace, democracy and cosmopolitanism. Chemnitz residents commemorated the victims of wars worldwide.
Presentation of the Chemnitz Peace Prize
The Chemnitz Peace Prize was awarded for the 21st time and honours people and initiatives that are committed to tolerance, democracy and non-violent coexistence.
The first prize went to the Language Café, which supports people from 20 nations in learning German and socialising.
Other award winners are Alke and Michael Schmidt, who help migrants in their homes, and Gabriele Engelhardt, who campaigns against right-wing extremism and in favour of democracy. Doris Müller received an honorary award for her commitment to the unemployed and her work in associations, IG Metall and the city council. Luisa Frieden was honoured with the Children and Youth Prize for her commitment to the Majdanek Holocaust Memorial.
The award ceremony traditionally takes place before 5 March, the anniversary of the bombing of Chemnitz.
Ice sports centre renamed
In February, the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz acquired the wooden sculpture "Standing" by the Brücke artist Erich Heckel, adding a high-calibre work of art to the important collection of expressionist art in Chemnitz.