Patrons: Hedy El-Basyouni, Linda Kahl, Niko Wilken

Commission: The hidden and unspoken issues of our town are to become visible and experienceable. Concerns that affect many people – ranging from a lack of infrastructure and everyday barriers to prejudice and feelings of powerlessness – are to take shape through an artistic performance.

Mediator: Zwoisy Mears-Clarke

Period: 2025 ongoing

Partner: Kulturstiftung des Bundes

Program: Citizen-Commissioned Dance and Performance

Meppen is a lively and diverse small town with many strengths and even greater potential – yet it remains strikingly quiet on certain issues. This is how Hedy, Linda and Niko, who live in this town in Lower Saxony, perceive it. They observe that most people enjoy living here. But something essential is missing: a shared public sphere.

“Many issues that move or burden people find no adequate expression in Meppen’s public space.”

From the Commission

The three Meppen residents note that everyday barriers, local infrastructure – particularly in relation to flood damage – as well as prejudice and discrimination are issues that concern many people in Meppen. Much of this, however, remains unspoken. What is needed are more occasions that allow for resonance: public forums where people come together, share experiences, discuss and think ahead collectively – opportunities where people can be seen, heard and empathised with.

This is why they are initiating an artistic project for Meppen as New Patrons. With their commission for a dance or performance work, they aim to address what concerns many people but is rarely spoken aloud. The work is intended to be open and accessible, addressing all residents of Meppen. As many voices as possible – including quieter ones – along with diverse perspectives and experiences, are to become visible, audible and tangible, allowing a multifaceted picture of the town’s community to emerge.

“We want to commission a performance about life in Meppen – honest, moving, and connecting.”

From the Commission

The commissioned artwork is intended to have an impact beyond the performance itself. By providing an impulse for further dialogue, creating a moment of connection and a shared collective memory, it aims to shape social coexistence and the town’s public sphere in the longer term. 

It is particularly important that the work opens up space for people who have previously been excluded, allowing their concerns to be heard through artistic means. Together with mediator Zwoisy Mears-Clarke, the group will decide in the next step on a suitable artistic personality to whom they will award the commission.

“We want to create an artistic event that pauses everyday life in Meppen and opens up space for new experiences.”

From the Commission