Genius Loci Weimar: International artists illuminate the city!

Genius Loci Weimar: International artists illuminate the city!

Weimar, Deutschland - On July 10, 2025, the winners of the prestigious Genius Loci competition were announced as part of the Genius Loci Weimar Festival. Over 70 submissions from all over the world have been spotted this year, and three creative teams have managed to assert themselves. As Radiolotte , the total budget of 30,000 euros is used for the implementation of the impressive projections, which can be seen from September 5th to 7th and on the BASTILLE become.

This year the festival is all about Goethe's “Faust”, since the 250th anniversary of Goethe's appointment to Weimar is celebrated. In addition to the 30,000 euros already mentioned, a selected contribution will be awarded an additional 5,000 euros. The lucky winners come from Indonesia, the USA and Germany. The anticipation for the presentation of the work is already noticeable.

Genius Loci Festival in Buchenwald

The challenges for the festival should not be underestimated. This year it takes place on the site of the Buchenwald memorial, which brings certain logistical hurdles. For example, genius loci that the site only offers limited dimensions and that there is a lack of electricity. In addition, it is not possible to sell food and drinks during the event, which reduces the options for taking. Nevertheless, the goal remains high: the festival should remain accessible to everyone and offers free tickets and a free bus service to the memorial to reach visitors.

A closer look into the future shows that the preparation of the festival will be in memory of the past. From August 30 to September 1, 2024, visitors can look forward to international artists who not only present light and video installations, but also focus on deeper reflections on the Buchenwald memorial. The key elements of the festival are selected under the topic "It felt like 5 to 33", with more than 100 works from 22 nations being submitted.

Current challenges in Thuringia

Not only the festival is the focus, the current weather conditions also cause excitement. There is currently a ban on fishing in several Thuringian waters to protect endangered fish species such as the brown trout and grinder. As Radiolotte , the Gera in Erfurt, which Ilm in Weimar and the Fuchsgrund traffic jam at Ruhla, has already been determined, where a strong algae blossom has already been determined. The waters are continuously checked and further closures are not excluded.

In addition, there was recently a police operation in Kromsdorf, in which a 42-year-old man stole a mobile phone of his acquaintances and then set their car on fire. Despite the rapid reactions of the police inspections in Apolda and Weimar, the perpetrator has so far been able to flee. During a search, a cannabis plantation with 125 plants in Weimar was also discovered, which may result in a further determination.

The coming weeks and months promise both creative highlights by the Genius Loci Festival and challenges that affect everyday life in Thuringia. Stay tuned - a lot happens here in the region!