Inspiration & creativity

There is music playing, actors standing on the stage, art hanging on ancient walls, artists working in their studios, creative ideas being developed and plans being made, laughter and dancing, painting and crafting... Many of the former industrial factories have been developed into genuine hubs of creativity. Numerous initiatives and clubs arrange exhibitions, artistic projects and a colourful cultural programme with lots of enthusiasm. Elsewhere, entire creative districts have been formed with events, cuisine and exhibitions. This has brought new life and a breath of fresh air to the old walls, which are now “centres of production” in other ways. You can even get creative yourself in many locations. Here, artists offer activities you can join in with and you can allow yourself to be inspired by the unique buildings. Or you can inspect other people’s creations at one of the many design markets. There is almost certainly something that will take your fancy!

Culture on a big and small scale

Big events take place in many industrial heritage sites today. One example is the Ruhrtriennale, an annual international music and arts festival in the Ruhr Valley between mid-August and mid-October. During the several week-long season, you can enjoy contemporary productions in the atmosphere of the former production sites. Other highlights include the Ruhr Piano Festival or the EinsLiveKrone (a German music prize awarded by the radio broadcaster 1LIVE) in the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum. This is just three examples of a plethora of theatre shows, performances and more. We want to give you an idea of some of the creative highlights - be inspired!