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Art Meets Activism: KLP's Solidarity Stan against the Right in Rural Wendland
Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the grassroots and paint the countryside red with artistic expression!
For a fortnight, starting from Ascension to Pentecost, Wendland transforms into an artsy utopia! Around 40,000 art enthusiasts and vacationers are all set to descend upon this picturesque region from May 29 to the 36th "Cultural Countryside Party" (KLP). The battle cry: "Solidarity. Diversity. Standing strong against conservatism!" Last year, the Lüchow-Dannenberg district played host to exhibitions, performances, and lectures tackling right-wing extremism.
"The present political climate makes the subject relevant," says KLP spokesperson, Eva Bothe. Sales of the 320-page handy travel guide are doing brisk business, and already, 11,000 copies of the little guide, featuring 87 participants known as "Wunderpunkte" in the program, have been snapped up. During the 12-day cultural extravaganza from Ascension to Pentecost Monday, organizers anticipate around 40,000 visitors from outside the region.
"Let's keep fingers crossed for mutual respect," Bothe adds. If farmers are busy at work, it's best not to obstruct their entrances with parked cars.
Friction also brewing in Gorleben
Up until June 9, exhibitions and actions will litter farms, artists' studios, and bakeries. In the past, the politically-charged residents united over the protest against nuclear power and demonstrations in Gorleben. The "Cultural Countryside Party" was born in 1989 from the resistance scene against nuclear energy.
In Gorleben, there will be criticism of the interim storage of Castor containers. "It's essential we engage the torrent of Wendland visitors with some contentious thoughts on nuclear power and the current situation in Gorleben," explains Wolfgang Ehmke, BI spokesperson for the Citizens' Initiative. The BI calls for a political rally (June 6) near the mine.
The traffic between exhibitors has surged in recent years, with many intrigued folks arriving by car. For train travelers, a bike rental is available for just 10 euros per day at some locations.
AscensionWendlandTourismPentecostGorlebenLüchowLüchow-Dannenberg districtRight-wing extremism
- Visitors attending the "Cultural Countryside Party" (KLP) in Wendland should be aware of the region's political climate, as last year's event included exhibitions and performances addressing right-wing extremism.
- During the KLP, organizers encourage visitors to engage in discussions about current issues such as nuclear power and protests in Gorleben, as part of the event's commitment to artistic expression and activism.
