The event manager and film producer Annika Pacyna talks to us about creative activity despite the pandemic and her favorite places in the Ruhr region.
Our questionnaire
Urban discovery with: Annika Pacyna
Name:
Annika Pacyna
Age:
28
Birthplace/Place of residence:
Castrop-Rauxel, moved to Bochum at the age of 18 and stayed here :)
Profession:
Organizer / film producer
Links:
How would you describe yourself and your work to an alien?
I believe that you can't describe music with words! Therefore, I would simply invite the aliens to a party. Music is the most universal language anyway, isn't it?
What is your drive to create art?
For me, art is the best way to convey one's emotions. Whether it's music, poetry, or a film, every work of art has a certain inherent spark that conveys a message. What I also find incredibly liberating about art is that its coding works in such an overarching way, so that with a DJ set, for example, I can not only reach people of my generation and my subculture, but create a collective experience where everyone can participate.
What do you love most in the Ruhr region in general?
I love that the cities in the Ruhr area all have their own charm and character. That you can get from city to city super fast. And I love the people here, too! The cohesion of the people here is strong.
Photo: Dana Schmidt
Photo: Julian Paul
Three places in the Ruhr region that you definitely show visitors:
I actually always go with visitors at night to the Bochum Westpark and show them a few of my favorite places there. Afterwards I go dancing with the visitors! And show the night culture of the Ruhr area. That's why many friends and musicians like come back for a visit :) The Schauspielhaus Bochum, the forecourt and of course our beloved Oval*Office shouldn't be missing.
What makes the arts and culture scene here so special?
I think the people in the Ruhr area are into change! For example, the other day we did a performance together with the Theater Dortmund and the House of Solar from Cologne with the reference to ballroom culture and queerness, where people of all ages were, I found that very impressive! Here is a nice radio report about it:
In which places can you feel the metropolis of the arts here?
I particularly like the atmosphere at the Ruhrtriennale! But also on the small stages of the metropolis you can have quite great experiences!
Where/when did you have your best cultural experience?
In my opinion, you get a very great impression of cultural diversity at festivals. But I can't make a ranking now, because in its very own way every festival has fascinated and enriched me so far.
Where do you like to go out to eat & drink?
I love tapas! I think Yamas in Bochum is my favorite place (:
The best parties are in the...
Ruhr area! :) Of course I am a supporter of my adopted home Bochum, but I'm also always happy when I can go party to Dortmund, Essen, Oberhausen, etc.
If the Ruhr area was a song, this is how it would sound:
Neue Wildnis - Oehl
What's your next project?
Covid-19 has been quite a whirlwind in my life. Currently I'm in preparations for the new Arrow.digital edition (A more experimental streaming format) to keep the spirit of the party series alive. And I'm producing a feature-length film together with Tanja Egen, about female identity and the Gerberstionswandel in the Ruhr area, we will shoot it in summer.
