Join me on a tour to the alternative cultural projects in Bielefeld's city.
In 1994 and 1995, I traveled to Bielefeld several times—my boyfriend at the time lived here. We always approached from the east, which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly Bielefeld’s most charming side. Despite my reservations, I moved here in 1995 for a job and found myself questioning why I was leaving beautiful Bremen for what seemed like an unremarkable city. (Prejudices? Me?)
Life is full of surprises...
In my first weeks here, I had plenty of time to explore my new home. Not only did I discover some truly lovely spots, but I was also amazed by the surrounding nature. However, what mattered most to me at the time was the city’s cultural life, especially its subculture, which I had been a part of in Bremen.
On this tour, I’d like to introduce you to both long-standing and newer projects from Bielefeld’s alternative cultural scene.
Autonomous and Self-Managed
Politics, Culture & Punk – a space of great significance
One of my first discoveries was the AJZ. The same bands I’d seen in Bremen’s Wehrschloss played here—raw, underground music.
The Arbeiterjugendzentrum (AJZ) was established in the 1970s to give young people a space to freely express themselves. After some initial challenges—the tolerance of local politics and society wasn’t exactly high—the registered association managed to purchase the building. Today, it remains one of the few autonomous, self-managed projects of its kind in Germany.
More than just a venue
The AJZ serves as a concert hall, meeting point, workshop, and platform for artistic and political exchange. It hosts workshops, social projects, and initiatives focusing on antifascism, climate protection, feminism, and more. There’s also an info shop, a bike repair station, and countless regular meetups.
On its stage, local and international underground bands perform freely, unbound by commercial pressures.
Living and Working Where Art Resides
Inspiration and creative exchange in a former paper factory
Next up is Artists Unlimited. As an artist collective and cultural center, it closely aligned with my dreams at the time. Sadly, I couldn’t move in because my dog, Tierra, would’ve clashed with another dog already living in the shared apartment.
Founded in 1985 in a former paper factory, Artists Unlimited provides studio spaces, living quarters, and a gallery—a space to live, work, and exchange ideas.
How artistic and cultural exchange works
Around 30 creatives currently live and work in the building. The association offers scholarships, inviting artists from around the world for three-month residencies. Over 90 artists have participated, fostering artistic and cultural exchange on a whole new level.
Since 1987, their gallery has hosted over 240 exhibitions, showcasing diverse disciplines and themes. Their annual summer festival in the courtyard has become a staple of Bielefeld’s cultural scene.
Artists Unlimited operates autonomously and emphasizes sustainability, with members actively shaping and managing the space.
Work, Exchange, Inspire
The new cultural hub – a space for creativity, diversity, and respect!
The latest project on this tour is the Kulturhaus Ostblock, which I recently discovered. It’s particularly exciting because of its affordable studio spaces that foster creative collaboration.
After long negotiations and extensive support, the Kulturhaus opened in 2019 in the accessible former technical college building. There has long been a need for spaces for the subcultural creative scene, which often struggles due to financial and spatial constraints.
New possibilities
The Kulturforum initiative provides artists of all disciplines, ages, and backgrounds with a space for collaboration, personal growth, and interdisciplinary work. Social themes like diversity, empowerment, and community are central to their mission.
Plans are underway for extraordinary events set to invigorate Bielefeld’s cultural landscape.
Reflection, Discussion, Action
The AlarmTheater in Bielefeld brings topics to the stage
Founded in 1993, the AlarmTheater has established itself as an independent theater dedicated to addressing societal issues like displacement, racism, integration, dementia, and unemployment. They produce original works, performances, and collaborative projects with schools, prevention centers, museums, and social organizations.
Building bridges
Since 2013, they’ve focused on working with young refugees, using art to provide new ways of expression and processing experiences. The AlarmTheater has received multiple awards for its innovative projects, including the “Kinder- und Jugendkulturland NRW” prize and the international Papageno Award’s Golden Papageno.
Legendary! From Punk Rock to Electro –
THE hotspot for true music fans!
The Forum Bielefeld is one of the region’s most renowned cultural venues. Originally founded in 1974 in the small town of Enger, it began as a jazz club in the basement of an old factory. With the punk rock revolution of the 1980s, its musical focus shifted, and the Forum quickly became a hotspot for indie and rock concerts. Legendary bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and Queens of the Stone Age played here before they became big.
In 1999, the Forum relocated to Bielefeld’s historic Alte Bogefabrik. Its first concert in the new venue featured The Notwist, and since then, it has solidified its place in Bielefeld’s cultural scene. While high-profile bands continue to perform, the venue also hosts a range of events from indie rock and electronic parties to readings, comedy shows, theater, and even wrestling events.
The Forum operates without government funding, maintaining its independence and remaining a vital cultural force in the region.
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