"We need to talk."

Stefan Tschök

The motto for the Capital of Culture application has been finalised for some time: AUFbrüche. Opening Minds. Creating Spaces. The task now is to incorporate and live out this impartiality, creativity and willingness to create in the application and in society. Stefan Tschök is one of them. As one of five cultural ambassadors, he is taking the idea and motto of the bid out into the world. He reveals how he wants to anchor the idea of the Capital of Culture and who Chemnitz's biggest rival is in the battle for the title in the Makers of the Week interview.

How did you hear about the position of ambassador?
Stefan Tschök: I first heard about the European Capital of Culture bid process in the summer of 2016. There was an initial idea. I realised that I first had to get to grips with it because I also initially thought it was more about a Capital of Art. Then I followed the process more closely and realised that the city council resolution had been extended and that five more citizens would now be included in the process as cultural ambassadors.

Why did you apply for this?
As I am extremely interested in art, culture and literature, know my way around the cultural scene and believe that I am also well connected, I thought it would be an opportunity to apply. There must have been around 60 applications and I was delighted to be accepted. It's a great challenge and a good opportunity to help shape the company.

To what extent did your idea of a cultural ambassador match the actual tasks?
I was familiar with the committees such as the steering committee, programme council and the Capital of Culture Office and had a rough idea of what the work would involve. But I didn't expect the tasks to be so varied and complex. We work very intensively in the Programme Council because many people are creative themselves and want to contribute their own committed ideas. This also leads to controversial debates, but not in the sense of a dislike of the Capital of Culture, but rather a lively and stimulating culture of debate.
There are an incredible number of intensive meetings. If you want to get involved, you have to schedule time and take it seriously. I may have slightly underestimated the overall scope of the role as a cultural ambassador, but I have no regrets.

How do you contribute to the Capital of Culture application?
The cultural ambassadors should use their opportunities and skills to make an impact in urban society. I am always happy to utilise these opportunities. When I'm approached, I go to the people: in neighbourhood meetings, at party events, to local councils, in the support group. That's my job as a cultural ambassador: to act as an intermediary! I use my networks to popularise the Capital of Culture bid.

The cultural ambassadors were selected from various subject areas. Which area do you serve?
Not so much the socio-cultural scene or sport, but rather the municipal sector, for example local councils or neighbourhood management. That's more my speciality. And of course I talk a lot to the people and citizens of the city and explain the idea.

And where do you start? With the origins or have people ever heard of the Capital of Culture concept?
Many people always think of the Capital of Art, as I did at the beginning. And then they always say: How are we supposed to compete with Dresden? I hear that a lot, but when you explain it to them, they quickly realise what it's all about.
I have the feeling that the vast majority of people in Chemnitz have heard about it before. It's very difficult to measure how deeply, and you realise that in direct conversation. But a lot of persuasion is still needed. That's why I think it's a good idea to involve the clubs. Clubs are incredibly good multipliers. They can be a great support for the European Capital of Culture bid through their club activities.

What do you think the people of Chemnitz really think of the bid?
As Chemnitz residents are, they are sceptical at first. However, I imagine that this scepticism can be overcome with good and sustainable information. In many conversations, I've only had very few cases where someone has said that they don't want Chemnitz to apply. People are aware of it and will support it if we stabilise the process. It can be difficult if people don't hear about it for a long time.
Then they start to have doubts about it. But we must not forget that there is an obligation to provide AND collect information. You also have to try to open up to the process! Otherwise you always have the feeling that you haven't heard anything about it.
I also have no problem with people saying that they are still sceptical about the whole thing because they can't yet assess the benefits and effects. But I'd rather that than someone closing down completely. We need an ongoing dialogue.

What will the city gain if it becomes the Capital of Culture?
That's the most exciting question about the whole thing. I see two important points that could benefit the city from the application. Firstly, if we succeed in focussing the entire urban development on a single theme during the application process: Intervention areas for art in public spaces, civic engagement, involvement of different associations. Micro-projects are a good example of this. The number of applications is increasing and it is a good sign that people are interested and that they want it. The application process alone could benefit our city.
And secondly, if Chemnitz is awarded the title and it becomes a great Capital of Culture year with sustainable projects that continue to have an impact, it will do our image a lot of good. Get out of the grey mouse image! We need to strengthen our collective self-confidence. You can't express the benefits in euros and cents, but I think the benefits of strengthening the self-confidence of the people of Chemnitz are immense.

How do you see Chemnitz's chances of winning the title?
We have a very good chance, but I think we also have competition, especially from Magdeburg, who could make it difficult for us. Magdeburg is in a similar structural situation to Chemnitz and it could end up being a neck-and-neck race.

But how would Chemnitz win this neck-and-neck race?
Our city has experienced even more ruptures than Magdeburg in line with the motto "AUFbrüche", especially due to the renaming to Karl-Marx Stadt and the renaming back, and has had to grow even more from the ruptures. If we live the motto "AUFbrüche", then it could be the little decisive tick that makes us European Capital of Culture 2025.