CALL FOR COMMONING

With its project “CALL FOR COMMONING”, Kampnagel will be shifting its programming focus to public spaces in the city of Hamburg starting in spring 2027. Self-efficacy, participation and co-creatorship are the focus of three newly produced, participative works by international artists that activate urban spaces with performances and interventions.

A new piece by the Swiss artist Thomas Hirschhorn addresses the work of the Hamburg art historian Aby Warburg and encourages all residents of Hamburg to engage in active participation. Paul Ramírez Jonas from the United States declares all residents of the city of Hamburg as temporary “honorary citizens”. Up to 15,000 people will receive a “key to the city” which will offer them access to places that are normally closed to the public. In reference to the underrepresentation of voices from the Global South in the UN Human Rights Council, the Swiss artist Antje Schupp and the #EmptyChairsCampaign will establish THE PEOPLE’S COUNCIL – a symbolic “grassroots” parliament devoted to the political issues of the voiceless. 

Artistic direction: Martin Hammer, Lucien Lambertz
Participating artists: Thomas Hirschhorn, Paul Ramírez Jonas, Antje Schupp & #EmptyChairsCampaign

Performances in public spaces (Kampnagel, Hamburg): March 2027 – June 2027 (tbc)

Dates

18 March 2026 – 17 June 2026: Exhibition
Kampnagel, | Hamburg