Art action on the Oder: German-Polish border openings

A temporary cultural space featuring performances, sound installations, and discussions has been created on the German-Polish Oder Riverbank. A response to new border controls.

Artists from Break on through to the ODER side (selection) on the ferry Listening to songs on the edge

Amid the controversy surrounding German-Polish border controls, artists invite visitors to rediscover the Oder River as a connecting element. Next weekend, the art project "Break on through to the Oder side" will transform the Oder riverbank near Zollbrücke (Märkisch-Oderland district) into an exhibition and performance space. The project is part of the cultural region's theme year "Connecting Worlds."

The project is therefore intended as an artistic intervention against increasing isolation and for an open, cross-border dialogue. "The Oder Valley is actually a mirror and ornament of modern life," said director Heiko Michels. "In a time of anti-modern attitudes and glorified, identity-based populisms, we want to celebrate the non-identical, the art of seeing things in flux."

Ferry across the Oder invites you to a performative journey

The Oder River becomes not only a backdrop, but also a central symbol: a specially set up ferry service takes visitors across the river – accompanied by a Polish-speaking ferrywoman and a German-speaking ferryman, who lead them on a performative journey through the history and present of the border region.

The art event takes place this weekend. The German-Polish music festival "Liederlauschen" is taking place concurrently with around 500 guests camping.

Dance and sound installations

Curated by Heiko Michels and Almut Undisz, the project brings together artists from a wide range of backgrounds. Yurts, installations, and performances will explore the cultural interweaving of the border region. For example, borderland artist Michael Kurzwelly will introduce the message of "Nova Amerika," an imaginary country shaped by people from Afghanistan, Syria, Cameroon, Iran, Poland, and Germany. Political topics will also be addressed: Tomasz Kurianowicz, editor-in-chief of the Berliner Zeitung, will moderate a talk on the arms debate titled "Armament: German Weapons Fear OR Polish Defence Capability?" Also on the program: a mini-exhibition on German relics in western Poland, a scavenger hunt by environmental activist Ryszard Matecki, a dance performance, and a sound installation in a Mongolian yurt. Bands from Poland and Germany will also be presented.

Information at: https://liederlauschenamrand.de/

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