The magazine "Saiten" is the cultural magazine of Eastern Switzerland. Various authors report regularly in the form of critical and independent articles about what is happening in the city of St.Gallen . On the one hand, you can find "Saiten" online here. On the other hand, selected articles are published regularly in the form of a magazine, which you can subscribe to here . Marc Jenny, as co-contract manager of the magazine, gives his thoughts about the St.Gallen cultural scene in the following guest article.
"Sankt Forward?" Marc Jenny on the St.Gallen cultural scene
Admittedly, the question mark is not entirely justified. At least as far as culture is concerned. In St. Gallen, a lot has happened in this regard in recent years. And on all levels. From the world cultural heritage site, the abbey district with its legendary felt slipper library, to renowned internationally active companies such as AKRIS or the art foundry in the Sitterwerk, to theater, galleries and museums. There is a wide variety of topics, e.g. art and textiles, but also a small soap museum. The different sizes are enormously important for a diverse cultural life.
Because a flourishing high culture can only grow if it has an underground from which it feeds its roots. Otherwise, the cultural flower would dry up. And here, perhaps, the question mark is appropriate after all. Because it would be too short-sighted to praise the cultural city of St. Gallen without pointing out the importance that this praiseworthy culture must also be cultivated. And that by all classes. For visitors to Sankt Surprisingly, this may not be so relevant, but for the local population it is very relevant. In urban politics, culture still too often ekes out a niche existence. But it is precisely this niche that presents itself as enormously diverse and innovative.
St. Gallen's cultural practitioners are well networked and have great charisma. They also shape the local cultural life with a great deal of commitment. The attractive mixture of this multi-layered hustle and bustle and established institutions offers entertainment, stimulation and quality of life for the people here. It also makes St. Gallen a creative center in eastern Switzerland. To keep it that way, we need exclamation marks instead of question marks.
"But this niche in particular presents itself as enormously diverse and innovative."
Marc Jenny, musician, co-publisher Saiten & board member IG Kultur Ost, about the St.Gallen cultural scene.
Here are a few examples: Exhibitions in the car! Theater and tryouts in the 111i! Pleasant university at the Palace! Jazz sessions in hidden cellars! Sofalesungen! Art gallery and zone! Counterpoints! Dance performances in industrial halls! Plays for small and big people in the puppet theater! Symphony orchestra in the Tonhalle! Kinok in the Lokremise! Electro party in an interim use! Alternatives in the Grabenhalle! Sitterwerk! Gallery in the monastery wall! Literature in the Kultbau! Organ vespers in the cathedral! Operas in the city theater! Cabaret on the cellar stage! Museum in the warehouse! andandand...
By the way: To discover this cultural offering, the East Swiss cultural magazine Saiten is ideally suited. With a lot of background on culture, politics, society - and with the most comprehensive calendar of events in the region - Saiten informs right from the heart of the cultural hustle and bustle and is the indispensable companion in the cultural life of eastern Switzerland.
Saiten is available online and as a free monthly magazine at various cultural venues, bars, clubs, pubs - and of course as a subscription.
Have fun discovering, immersing and exclaiming in St. Gallen's cultural life!
Marc Jenny
Musician, Co-Publisher Saiten & Board Member IG Kultur Ost
St.Gallen cultural diversity in pictures
