The past year has prompted more than one type of reflection amidst our creative team. With event formats radically altering, and “creative solutions” having to take on  unprecedentedly novel meanings, we found ourselves rethinking virtually every facet of our ideation and production processes — not simply out of logistical constraints, but also for the sake of the audiences left in limbo, unsure of what to seek out, and, crucially, of what can be obtained. While in theory, this positioning grants a lot of power to those in charge of deciding the cultural offer, we refrained from using this power in overly didactic terms; we should not be the ones telling audiences what to enjoy, what to look for, or what to experience. Instead, our strategy has been to empower them to create, curate, and live it out themselves. This principle of interactive co-creation and organic engagement lies at the heart of the hybrid experiences and culture we’ve nurtured over the past year. We like our audiences to be active. Figuratively, and, sometimes, literally — as attested by our latest initiative Esch2022moves, forming an integral part of the prelude to the Esch2022 European Capital of Culture celebrations. 

esch2022moves

©️ battleROYAL

The Esch2022 REMIX Festival has provided an invaluable chance for us to put our spin on the traditional opening ceremony, by making sure it’s all but punctual, static, and predictable. In undoing this format, we focussed on celebrating the process rather than the result, kicking off our engaging initiatives half a year prior to the official inauguration of the Esch-sur-Alzette region as next year’s European Capital of Culture. Thus, we transform the experience into something altogether more dynamic and memorable for all participants. 

Our approach is as follows: immersion relies on full stimulation of all the senses, dimensions and facets that make us who we are, and our foremost goal has been to make our prelude as holistically engaging as possible by catering to each and every sense. With the Future Frequencies workshop led by Frank Wiedemann and Matthew Herbert, we’ve sought to activate sonic innovation, exchange and creative output. With our Space Program, the primary goal was to ignite bold, visionary thinking — and a realization of the far-reaching power for innovation housed in each and every participant’s mind. 

esch2022moves

©️ battleROYAL

With Esch2022moves, we’re trying to activate the physical creativity of the community by demonstrating how creative and limitless the power of movement can be. With workshops, talks, career advice, performances and classes from some leading industry figures including world-class choreographers and dancers, Esch2022moves invites you to not just participate, but collaborate — helping craft and define the region’s bold and versatile kinetic identity. 

Free of charge and rich in learning, this is just the beginning of the community-empowering mission we’ve embarked upon. Whether determined or hesitant, come join the crew — together, we can accomplish great things. 

Head over to the ESCH2022moves website for more information: https://esch2022moves.lu/

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