Gestärkt durch die Polykrise. Kochaktion und Austausch im GfZK-Garten

As part of the Leipzig City Curator program

Many people are now experiencing the growing right-wing populist, authoritarian, and misanthropic tendencies in society and politics very directly in their own civic engagement. The challenges are growing, and with them, often a sense of powerlessness. How can we, as a democratic civil society, remain capable of taking action even in times of multiple crises? What strategies can help us work together reliably, effectively, and joyfully, even under pressure?

The artistic urban lab Common Grounds invites you to a communal meal in the GfZK garden to exchange ideas on social, ecological, and political issues, share experiences, learn from one another, and develop new perspectives together. The meal will be prepared using sunlight and rescued food at the Fiumicina solar kitchen, a social platform for hospitality, community, and food justice. Meals are available in exchange for a voluntary donation to benefit Tafel Leipzig e. V. The event will be guided by the organizations Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie and Konfliktpotential, who will provide content and stimulate discussion with thought-provoking questions. In a brief presentation, they will share insights and proven strategies from their work on building organizational resilience.

The event marks the kickoff of a series of programs taking place from August 31 to September 17, 2026, at the market square in Paunsdorf. Centered around the Fiumicina solar kitchen, neighborhood cooking events will be organized in collaboration with local initiatives, institutions, and residents, creating space for connection and exchange. These events combine ecological concerns with the search for solidarity-based forms of community, mutual support, and participation.

The project by UmRäumen e. V. is conceptually and artistically curated by Mascha Fehse and Johanna Ralser in collaboration with Julia Kurz. It is part of the artistic urban laboratory Common Grounds—Public Spaces as the Common Good in Times of Multiple Crises. The project is funded by the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony. The implementation of the program in Paunsdorf is also made possible by the East City District budget.

Information on dates and opportunities to participate can be found atwww.stadtkuratorin-leipzig.deand on Instagram at @umraeumen_leipzig

Want more? The “Workshop Buffet: Strengthened Through the Crisis,” organized by Konfliktpotential and Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie at Pöge-Haus e. V., offers further exciting ideas and strategies for crisis-resilient collaboration.