Is Worpswede getting a street art festival?

Source: Weserkurier

Whether it's the Worpswede Open Air, the Bergstrasse Festival, or the open studios, there's a lot going on in the artists' town during the summer months. If Markus Lippeck and Danny Janke have their way, the event calendar could grow by another festival next year. The two artists are planning a street art festival throughout the town center. What exactly is planned:

The Worpswede Street Art Festival is intended to be a multi-day art event that connects international street artists, regional artists, and local institutions. The goal is to revitalize Worpswede's reputation as a vibrant artists' village, attract a young, diverse audience, and provide cultural impetus for the region. An open, inclusive, and interactive format will showcase various art forms such as graffiti, performance, music, dance, theater, and workshops in public spaces as well as in galleries and studios. Additional competitions and performances will round out the festival, with the aim of attracting national and international artists in particular. "I see the Olympic Games of modern art before me," says Danny Janke.

Right in the heart of the town center. According to Lippeck and Janke, various clubs, businesses, and museums will be involved, including the artists' houses, the Old Dairy, the Fabelhof, various gardens, and, of course, the Bergstrasse. "The more people participate, the bigger it will be. Our plan is to involve the entire town center. The event should be more than just a festival. It should be a stimulus for the present and future of this place," says Markus Lippeck.

Lippeck and Janke are targeting spring and summer 2026. The festival is expected to run over three to four days, ideally from Thursday to Sunday. The attractions are expected to attract 1,000 to 1,500 visitors to Worpswede each day.

In their opinion, Worpswede, the artists' community, needs a new impetus. "It's all about visibility. The festival could continue Worpswede's tradition – bold, open, and youthful." "It brings contemporary art to the streets and puts Worpswede back on the map," says Markus Lippeck. His partner Janke believes that the most important thing in implementing the festival is that young artists are given a platform to realize their ideas: "It's about giving young artists a perspective. Furthermore, the venue could reach new target groups and stimulate the economy."

Markus Lippeck and Danny Janke are currently drafting financial and marketing plans. It's currently difficult to estimate how much the festival will ultimately cost. Initial estimates suggest between €60,000 and €70,000. "There are a number of things to consider during implementation, such as space costs, waste and disposal, barriers, security, and logistics. Administration and management also come into play. Of course, we have to sit down together and see what's possible," says Lippeck.

Lippeck and Janke presented their initial draft of the idea to the Worpswede Committee for Tourism Development, Arts, and Culture, meeting recently. The council members present praised the festival. The majority believe that the street art festival, if successfully implemented, could be a benefit to the town. "I'm convinced that the concept will also appeal to restaurateurs and businesses," said Johannes Scholz (UWG). While Anette Faouzi (CDU) praised the detailed, first AI-generated festival images, Susanne Weichberger (Greens) is ready to get started tomorrow: "I can really imagine this happening and can definitely see myself there."

The two initiators plan to further refine their concept in the coming weeks and months. They also plan to ask local clubs, businesses, and restaurateurs to what extent they could imagine being part of the festival. "We've already had initial discussions. A petition has shown us that the idea is quite well received," says Lippeck. They plan to present the refined concept again at a committee meeting. "The dream is definitely there that we can manage to celebrate the first edition of the festival next year," adds Danny Janke.