A collective brings the Wiesbaden slaughterhouse to new life

A collective brings the Wiesbaden slaughterhouse to new life

In an unforgettable night in 1994, something happened that the Wiesbaden cultural scene should shape forever. A group of committed people had occupied the dilapidated halls of the former slaughterhouse to create a cultural center there. Without warning, they penetrated the site that the city had already closed and presented a surprised caretaker a key to a new castle. A remarkable act of civil disobedience that laid the foundation for today's cultural and communication center Schlachthof Wiesbaden.

The slaughterhouse, once a place for animal processing, was closed by the city of Wiesbaden at the end of the 1990s. After the demolition of many buildings, only a few halls and the listed water tower remained. The group's initiative was overwhelming. Gerhard Schulz, who now acts as chairman of the association, remembers the initial skepticism of the head of culture Peter Riedle, who soon recognized the need for this cultural site. Instead of intimidation and rejection, Riedles meant an unexpected way for creative minds to develop.

a place of cultural diversity

The wiesbaden slaughterhouse quickly developed into one of the largest socio -cultural centers in Hesse, which attracts not only local artists, but also international music stars. From punk concerts to readings and political discourses - the slaughterhouse offers a platform for a variety of creative forms of expression. With up to 450 events annually, the slaughterhouse is known far beyond the borders of Wiesbaden.

"We don't do the whole thing on a voluntary basis!" is the credo of the cultural center, which was formulated in the founding year. This statement is of central importance because it is the basis for professional and sustainable cultural work. Schulz firmly believes that this principle was crucial for the success of the slaughterhouse, and also with regard to the 56 full and part-time staff who are employed there, as well as about 90 temporary workers.

The employees come from different age groups, which enriches the creative process and enables a different perspective on cultural work. Press spokesman Hendrik Seipel-Rotter emphasizes the diversity of the workforce, which contributes to the fact that the slaughterhouse is a place for all generations.

structural change and cultural relevance

A future -oriented step was to renovate the water tower in 2015 and the construction of a new hall that opened in November 2012. These structural changes testify not only from the material investment in the slaughterhouse, but also from the recognition of its cultural importance for the city of Wiesbaden. The closure of the old hall in 2010 due to structural defects could have meant the closure of the entire center. Thanks to the commitment of those responsible, however, this step could be avoided.

The slaughterhouse is therefore not only a stage for big names such as the dead pants or Queens of the Stone Age, but also a space for young artists and newcomers. This philosophy is also shown in the newly designed boiler house, which takes up an important place in the cultural landscape of Wiesbaden.

On August 26, the cultural center starts its anniversary program to celebrate a slaughterhouse for 30 years. The series of events includes discussions about topics such as sustainability in the cultural company and the idea of a Wiesbaden cultural campus. The musical ceremony will be continued on December 6th and 7th with concerts by the band Donots, which also celebrate their 30th anniversary in the slaughterhouse.

The future of the cultural center

Independence and the principles that the slaughterhouse defended from the start are still the basis of its identity. With a clear focus on cultural diversity and social cohesion, the center remains a fixture in the Wiesbaden cultural scene. The importance of the slaughterhouse for the city is still reflected in the decision to offer national artists in Wiesbaden.

The success story of the slaughterhouse is an impressive example of the power of culture and the commitment of the people who believed in a common dream. In a world that is constantly changing, the slaughterhouse remains a place where cultural diversity is not only valued, but actively promoted.

political and social framework conditions

The foundation of the Schlachthof cultural center in Wiesbaden fell in a period of profound social changes in Germany. After reunification in 1990, the country not only experienced economic changes, but also a cultural departure. In many cities, including Wiesbaden, the need for alternative cultural sites became increasingly pressing. The closure of traditional venues made space for creative experiments. Instead, social and political movements that work for diversity and inclusion were on the rise

The support of the city of Wiesbaden, symbolized by cooperation with the collective, is an example of how the public sector reacts to social needs. This is not only shown in the provision of premises, but also in financial support, which was essential for the implementation of cultural projects. The idea of a cultural center also reflected the desire of the citizens to create a space for self -organization and cultural expression that goes beyond the traditional framework.

economic aspects of the company

With 56 full and part-time staff as well as around 90 temporary help, the slaughterhouse is an important economic factor in the region. The payment of the employees, even if it is not high, is seen as a decisive factor for the motivation and stability of the company. Such a structured and paid team ensures a professionally managed organization that takes care of culture production and community management.

The economic environment of the cultural center is characterized by a diverse event offer. It not only offers space for concerts by international stars, but also for local talents in a frame that promotes them. The combination of ticket sales, gastronomic offers and event organization contributes to the financial basis of the slaughterhouse and ensures its continued existence.

cultural meaning and effects

The Kulturzentrum Schlachthof has developed into an integral part of the Wiesbaden cultural landscape. It not only promotes well -known artists, but also stands for the discovery of new talents and musical trends. From punk to international hip-hop, the stage is opened for all genres, which reflects the city's cultural diversity.

In addition, the center has also taken a pioneering role in relation to social issues. Programs for promoting sustainability and anti-discriminatory action are part of the engagement of the slaughterhouse. These approaches have far -reaching effects on the cultural climate in Wiesbaden, since it introduces the citizens into social discourses and contributes to the formation of an inclusive community.

The continuous support from the city administration shows that the cultural efforts of the slaughterhouse not only encounter a local acceptance. This confirms the relevance of such facilities for the cultural heritage and identity of cities in times of change.