The END is here! Closing KPTL Bollwerk / IN TRANSFORMATION
WE SAY MERCI & GOODBYE! – ‘The End is near’ tour (14 August – 27 September 2025) <3 Since 2011, the Bollwerk corner has been constantly reinventing itself – a place of change, driven by collective energy. What began as a subcultural techno club + restaurant quickly became a vibrant meeting place for night owls and bon vivants. With the renovation and opening of soso.space in 2021, a new course was set: less club, more space for cultural experiments, exchange and encounters. A comprehensive awareness concept shaped the venue from then on and became a model for many others. In 2024, seven managing directors took over responsibility on an association basis with a team and board. Kapitel Bollwerk and soso space made way for ‘INTRA’. The development of recent years into a low-threshold cultural institution – intersectional, cross-disciplinary, open – became manifest. The attempt to create a collective space that would be worthy of support. Because without public support, the model of cross-financing culture through ‘the nightclub’ no longer works. The pressure was high, the goals ambitious. In the end, almost half of the work was done on a voluntary basis – a feat that left its mark. At the end of May 2025, it became clear: exhausted forces and a lack of funding to secure our existence forced us to abandon this attempted utopia. Nevertheless, we consider the transformation a success: networks and communities were created, important needs and gaps were filled, and the cultural scene was enriched. The soso space cultural space will remain open until further notice. The space at Bollwerk 41 is to be handed over in October. Details to follow. A call to the public and politicians: Subculture – as a driver of innovation in the cultural sector, a place for utopias and social change – is in danger. While commercial players and pop-ups are flourishing, many small and stationary venues are facing closure or have already closed. The reality: overworked people, no or miserable pay. Communities are trying to help, but there is still no sufficient financial support from (government) agencies. Support your local (off-)spaces! Now, before it’s too late! <3