1. Kulturtag Mülheim

Premiere for a New Format

The 1. Kulturtag Mülheim is a true premiere: 2026 sees the first edition of a festival that the city of Mülheim an der Ruhr intends to repeat annually from now on. The idea originated from the Kulturstammtisch Mülheim — an association of independent cultural actors who demanded a common, visible format for the city. The city administration adopted the idea, and under the leadership of Dr. Hanna Hinrichs and Martina Krall, the concept was developed.

Central Idea — One Day, One City, All Disciplines

While other cultural festivals have a thematic focus (music, theater, film), the Kulturtag is deliberately designed to be interdisciplinary:

• Visual Arts — Exhibitions, open studios, performance installations
• Music — from classical to pop, from solo artists to ensembles
• Dance — contemporary, traditional, participatory
• Theater — performances, short acts, improvisation
• Literature — readings, spoken word, writing workshops
• Performance and New Media

This breadth makes the Kulturtag a clear statement: Mülheim is not just a commuter town for Düsseldorf or a suburb of Essen — Mülheim is a city with its own independent cultural life.

Synagogenplatz as the Central Location

Synagogenplatz was chosen as the central venue. The square commemorates the former Mülheim Synagogue — its current character as a memorial site and its central downtown location make it a suitable symbol for the event. Additionally, decentralized cultural locations will be used: studios, galleries, small theaters, public spaces in the districts.

Open Call — Selecting the Contributions

Artists from Mülheim and the wider region could apply with their project concept until February 20, 2026:

• Email to [email protected]
• Subject: “OPEN CALL Kulturtag – Application [Project Name]”

The selection is made by a panel of experts from the City of Mülheim — a deliberate indication of quality standards. It is not intended as an "open house" format where everyone is welcome, but rather a curated program with clear artistic criteria.

Participation Opportunities for Visitors

What will make the Kulturtag special: Many program items are designed to be participatory. Those who come are not just spectators, but often also participants — through workshops, hands-on activities, communal singing, communal dancing. This form of active cultural participation is an important hallmark of independent cultural actors.

Annual Repetition Planned

The City of Mülheim pursues a clear goal with this format: annual repetition. If the premiere in 2026 is well received, the Kulturtag will become a permanent fixture in the Mülheim cultural calendar. The initiators — Dr. Hanna Hinrichs and Martina Krall — pursue a long-term concept of making the independent Mülheim cultural scene visible.

Why a Visit is Worthwhile

Anyone who hasn't yet considered Mülheim a cultural city will get to know it at its most ambitious on this day. The combination of central staging at Synagogenplatz, decentralized use of small cultural venues, and a curated open-call program makes the 1. Kulturtag one of the most exciting new festivals in NRW.