Survey: Image boost for Chemnitz through Capital of Culture year

In the opinion of many people in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, the Capital of Culture year in Chemnitz has polished up the city's image. According to a survey by MDR, 64 percent believe that the city's image has improved, while 22 percent do not, as the broadcaster reports. In other respects, the results are worse: Only 42 percent of respondents see a long-term benefit, 43 percent do not.

According to MDR, more than 13,000 people in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt took part in the survey. The survey is not representative, but is intended to reflect a broad spectrum of arguments and positions.

Criticism of rail connections and communication

According to the information provided, the poor rail connections to Chemnitz and the relationship between the costs and benefits of the Capital of Culture year were criticized. In addition, around half of those surveyed rated the information on the offers as inadequate.

There are probably also deficits in the perception of the Capital of Culture program nationwide. A survey conducted by NDR showed that only every second respondent in northern Germany (51 percent) was even aware that Chemnitz is the European Capital of Culture this year.

However, according to MDR, it became clear that people in central Germany have a more positive view of Chemnitz today than they did two years ago. In September 2023, 54% of respondents associated the city with a negative or somewhat negative public image. In the meantime, this figure has fallen to 29 percent.