In the wake of World War II destruction, about 1,000 new churches were built in Germany's Ruhr region, but today many stand empty. Manifesta is exploring new ways to put them to use.

The 16th edition of Manifesta — the European traveling biennial for contemporary art and urban development — is taking place in the western German Ruhr region this year. Under the title "This is not a church," the main program sees international artists designing commissioned works for 12 decommissioned churches in Bochum, Duisburg, Essen and Gelsenkirchen.

They include German artist Emil Walde's large-scale installation made of old, damaged wired-glass windows from Duisburg Central Station, displayed within the church's confessional booths. St. Anna Church in Gelsenkirchen shows works by renowned artists such as Ming Wong, Philipp Gufler and Cana Bilir-Meier. The program also offers a rare opportunity to gather and play basketball in a church.

The freefall in attendance at Catholic and Protestant churches underlines the decline of congregations in the Ruhr region, Germany's largest metropolitan area. Dozens of places of worship are deconsecrated each year. Post-war "slipper churches" were built within walking distance of homes, serving as community hubs.

Now communities are asking what should become of these churches. Manifesta's "16+" program selected 16 projects to be realized across 10 cities. Among them is "Catch the Light - Build Bridges" at Christuskirche in Herne, aiming to become an intercultural meeting place.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr runs from June 21 to October 4. Admission is free.

Source: www.dw.com