The Ibug Festival for Urban Art in Chemnitz comes to an end with a record number of visitors. According to preliminary estimates by the organizers, over 35,000 visitors came to this year's "brownfield transformation" - Ibug for short - over three weekends.
Every year, the Ibug Festival transforms brownfields into galleries for urban art at different locations. This year, a former hospital in Chemnitz was chosen for the event. The weather, the fact that it is being held as part of the European Capital of Culture year in Chemnitz and the fact that it is open on three weekends (at smaller venues, the Ibug sometimes only opens on two weekends) have ensured a high level of interest from the organizers' point of view.
Artwork was partially removed following accusations
This year, works by 70 artists and collectives from Germany and abroad were on display. Accusations of anti-Semitism against several exhibited works caused controversy. Initially, the organizers decided to partially take down the work by artist Luke Carter with the inscription "DEUTSCHLAND MORDET MIT" - a reference to the Gaza War.
A few days later, they saw the allegations refuted with reference to several scientific and legal opinions and reversed their decision.
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