![Astrid Mörk, Advisor - Germany I Belgium](/sites/default/files/styles/employee_overview/public/2022-05/astrid_mork.jpeg?itok=juFOiZK3)
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This is the second of the three-part article series ‘Ab in den Süden’, where DutchCulture investigates the opportunities and challenges that come with working in Southern Germany. By taking Ornamenta 2024 as an example, we explore the concept of ‘genius loci’ to emphasize the unique atmosphere of a place. We also share some wisdom from curator Jules van den Langenberg, based on his experience with working with local partners and international makers in German provinces.
In 2021, a group of entrepreneurs from Pforzheim, Germany, identified the need to bring the Northern Black Forest region back to life through art and culture. Their goal: regenerating the Ornamenta, which took place once in 1998 without continuation due to budgetary shortcomings and a lack of political interest. Together with Katharine Wahl (DE) and Willem Schenk (NL), Van den Langenberg (NL) was chosen to curate the revival of the Ornamenta. ''We were interested in reacting to the site [Northern Black Forest area] and its genius loci, the spirit of the space'', Van den Langenberg shares.
The genius loci refers to a place’s distinctive atmosphere. The concept is often used in (landscape) architecture and design, linking to the aura and spirituality of a particular place. Out of respect for nature and locals in the region, the curational trio found it crucial to discover the area's genius loci as preparation for the cultural programme. They have done so by living one week a month in a different village, organizing gatherings with artists and events with local communities, and attending meetings with companies, mayors and local politicians.
The result: a cultural programme of local and European relevance, translated into five themes addressing issues that affect people across all layers of society. The themes relate to the sun, water, technology, air pollution, waste, circularity, migration, loneliness and human relationships - topics that are not only relevant in the region, but present across Europe. Every weekend during July and September 2024, visitors can follow five different routes depending on their interest and needs.
Stay tuned for our third article, to be published in the beginning of September, in which a selected group of Netherlands-based cultural professionals, who visited the Ornamenta 2024 in July, reflect on various international projects and recollect the genius loci of specific sites/projects.