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The city of Cologne, Germany, is gearing up for a cultural extravaganza as the "Take a Seat" event returns to Neumarkt from July to September 5, 2025. This open-air event promises a diverse blend of art, literature, and interactive experiences, transforming the historic Neumarkt square into a vibrant hub of cultural activity.
The event, curated by Marina Zielke and Roman Jungblut, is a collaboration between the Cologne Cultural Administration, the Free Cultural Scene, the University of Music and Dance (HfMT), and the Academy of Media Arts (KHM). It is expected to feature a variety of artists, musicians, and authors, promoting cultural diversity and community interaction.
The small, yellow pavilion designed by sculptor Erika Hock will serve as the heart of the event. The open-air pavilion, with seating steps inside and open on two sides, will host a range of performances, readings, and interactive installations.
Among the confirmed events are concerts featuring soprano Anna Moog, Norwegian drummer Jonas Evenstad, and Ecuadorian performer, choreographer, and violinist Espinoza Hidrobo. The Moovy Dance Film Festival is also set to contribute with its short film program "When Bodies Become Landscape. And Landscapes Dance".
Notable performances include Conor Schlueter, a young magician, who will perform a 30-minute solo show with rope tricks, and Thomas Bartling, known from the queer, German-Turkish performance duo Çakey Blond, who will present "Coffee Chat" and "Teleshopping".
A Karaoke evening with the Makkaroni Academy "Sing Your Favorite Italo Song" is also part of the program. The "Cologne Literary Summer" reading series will return as well, with daily readings on the yellow stage at the Neumarkt.
The Neumarkt, a central and one of the largest squares in Cologne, has often been associated with cultural and social activity. The project "Take a Seat" aligns with this spirit, fostering community engagement through art and culture.
For those interested in exploring the history and cultural significance of Neumarkt, a city walk titled "If Ice Cream Cones Fall from the Sky and Saints Become Bench Seats" has been developed by a cultural scientist and chairman of the city's art advisory board.
The "Take a Seat" event is free and open to the public. With a lineup of artists and authors yet to be confirmed, it promises to be an unmissable cultural experience for the people of Cologne and visitors alike. For the most up-to-date information on the participating artists and authors, it is recommended to check official Cologne cultural event pages closer to the event dates or contact organizers directly.
[1] Neumarkt Galerie, a centre integrating commerce, culture, and community, often hosts events like art exhibitions featuring local students and cultural festivals that celebrate Cologne’s diverse communities, further emphasising the spirit of "Take a Seat" events.
- Visitors can expect a fusion of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and food-and-drink experiences at Neumarkt Galerie, a hub that blends commerce, culture, and community.
- As the "Take a Seat" event returns, the city of Cologne offers a unique opportunity to engage with home-and-garden and travel-themed interactive installations.
- The event also caters to those interested in deepening relationships, with initiatives such as the Karaoke evening and the literary summer reading series.
- For pet lovers, the bustling Neumarkt square might provide an excellent opportunity to interact with fellow pet owners during the cultural extravaganza.
- For those with a passion for cars and shopping, the city of Cologne offers a myriad of destinations outside the event for individual exploration and enjoyment.
