Art meets cityscape: Engelplatz gets a new look

The temporary design of the open space on Engelplatz is entering the next round: under the motto "Art in public space", the previously grey planters on Engelplatz are shining in vibrant colors. The design is the result of close collaboration between the urban development department and the cultural consultancy, itself based at Schillerstraße 5. The artists Mia & Taro (Dagmara and Hans Sell), Heimatkiosk (Marko Kurth) and Farbgefühl (Michael Drosdek) are known for their impressive graffiti works on Lommerweg and are now bringing their creativity to the new "cultural quarter" in the heart of the city.

Special thanks go to the reCoVer Foundation, which financed the artists for this project as part of its cultural sponsorship. The foundation's commitment has creatively enriched the urban environment and set an example for the promotion of young art in Jena.

To complete the colorful design of the square, a guided graffiti workshop by Michael Drosdek (Farbgefühl) with children and young people from the "Eastside" youth club will take place on Friday, 11.04.2025. As a targeted offer in public space, three shaft rings were placed on the open space for graffiti to try out and let off steam.

From the following week, after a long delivery period, the seating furniture - consisting of three round benches with greenery - will also be installed. The round benches are mobile elements and can be moved around during the Kulturarena. In addition, wooden benches with planters will be installed as part of a project from the citizens' budget. The pergola facing the theater forecourt will also be replanted to provide further greenery.

Until the Kulturarena begins, the square will be available as a recreational area and new meeting point in the Kulturquartier. At the end of the year, preparations will begin for the open-air exhibition on the JenErgieReal project, which will occupy a partial area of approx. 100 m² of the square in 2026 to 2027.