Europe's Kitchen project launched as part of Germany's EU Presidency

Eleven artists from across Europe are organising meet-ups in private and public kitchens in 11 European cities from August to December 2020. The “Europe’s Kitchen” project from the Goethe-Institut is part of the cultural programme of Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

What happens to our notions of Europe, community and participation when we debate them at the kitchen table with people of very different origins?

As part of the cultural programme of Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Goethe-Institut’s “Europe’s Kitchen” project showcases Europe’s diversity and fosters exchange throughout the continent. Members of the public from all over Europe are invited to take part in the project, started in mid-August when Portuguese artist Patrícia Portela hosted the first European Kitchen in Copenhagen.

Like no other place, the kitchen stands for community and encounters, cosiness and lively debate. Last but not least, it is a haven for free speech in countries where freedom of expression is restricted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the kitchen became even more important. It is no longer just a meeting place, but also a workplace and classroom.

Platform for a Europe-wide dialogue

With the Europe’s Kitchen project, the kitchen is transformed into a metaphor and platform for cultural and pan-European dialogue across borders. Eleven artists from a wide range of disciplines who live and work in Europe are hosting an event based on the idea of a kitchen conversation in a city other than the one they come from – whether in the kitchens of private hosts or in public spaces, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the events are intended to trigger thought-provoking discussions on current topics regarding Europe. Fundamental questions about what Europe is, who is welcome, who is not, and under what circumstances, will also be addressed in small groups and experienced together in artistic formats, such as readings, concerts and participatory performances, or simply in the context of a good chat.

Locations and dates for the Europe’s Kitchen project:

• 15 August: Copenhagen (Denmark) – Patrícia Portela (Portugal)
• September (tbc): Vienna (Austria) – Jasmina Metwaly (Poland)
• 18 -20 September: Wrocław (Poland) – Priya Basil (Germany/UK)
• 25-27 September: Tallinn (Estonia) – Kateřina Šedá (Czech Republic)
• 5-11 October: Chania (Greece) – Mischa Leinkauf (Germany)
• 16-18 October: Glasgow and Huntly (Scotland) – Jeannette Ehlers (Denmark)
• 24/25 October: Palermo (Italy) – Géraldine Schwarz (Germany/France)
• November (tbc): Ljubljana (Slovenia) – Marinella Senatore (Italy)
• 14/15 November: Marseille (France) – Ivana Sajko (Croatia)
• 21/22 November: Madrid (Spain) – Arpad Dobriban (Hungary)
• 4 December: Munich (Germany) – Johny Pitts (UK)

Individual artists from the Europe’s Kitchen project will return to Munich for the finale of Europe’s Kitchen at the Kammerspiele, sharing their experiences and making their contributions tangible.

FOLLOW the events and discussions here