Neustadt plans to revive the Colorful Republic” – Here’s how it works!

Neustadt plans to revive the Colorful Republic” – Here’s how it works!

What does the future of the Bunte Republik Neustadt (BRN) look like? This question has been looming ever since the graffiti message “BRN is dead” appeared on several buildings in Neustadt. The last BRN took place in 2019 and left mixed feelings after decades of tradition. Although there had been discussions about the commercialization of the festival for a long time, the enthusiasm for folk festivals remained unbroken. In order to breathe life back into the original spirit of these celebrations, Christian Demuth and Julia Hartl from the SPD have now brought plans to revive the BRN into play. According to a report by Sächsische.de A decentralized cultural and creative festival in the Neustadt could offer a new stage, inspired by events such as the “Bunter Sommer” and the “Farewell Youth Fest”.

The enthusiasm for festivals in the Neustadt is unbroken. The proposal envisages a mixture of Hechtfest and Fête de la musique, and Neustadt clubs such as Groove, Ostpol, Scheune or Katys Garage could take part in the celebrations. A possible event site in the Alum Park would also have the advantage that safety requirements would be easier to manage here. In the debate about security measures, reference was also made to incidents involving right-wing extremist security employees at the Louisenfest. Here Demuth is calling for a zero-tolerance policy, which should also make the city responsible for supporting the organizers.

Collaboration and support

With regard to logistics, the question arises as to how these plans can be implemented smoothly. The city administration should therefore help event organizers with signage and actively involve residents in the planning. A clear contact person within the administration could help to make requirements simpler and more cost-effective. All of this aims to strengthen cohesion in the Neustadt and promote cooperation between bars, clubs and district festivals.

The BRN has a long history dating back to 1990 when it was founded as a micronation. The festival took place in the Outer Neustadt district and was recognized by various states, including the Republic of Uzupis and the Free Republic of Schwarzenberg. But despite the historic recognition, it was difficult to gain a hearing from larger states. The original micronation idea has now lost its meaning, but the annual birthday of the BRN is remembered with longing. Since the pandemic, the festival has been banned by the Dresden city administration, and the last celebrations took place in 2019. More information and reviews of past celebrations can be found on the website of Neustadt ticker and in archived posts.

Creative impulses in the city

There are also efforts in the city to revitalize creative life. The urban art festival “LackStreicheKleber” will take place from June 1st to 9th, 2024, which will be held at the Zentralwerk on Riesaer Straße and at Alexander-Puschkin-Platz. This festival deals with the history of graffiti and street art in Dresden and gives artists the opportunity to present themselves. It also looks back on 40 years of urban art in the city and offers a platform for discussions about the development of the scene, such as Pieschen Current reported.

In view of these developments, it is now a matter of seeing the colorful Republic of Neustadt not just as a fixed date in the event calendar, but as a lively part of city life that also attracts and inspires future generations.