Katzenwedelwiese / ZKMDE
Die Katzenwedelwiese, an orchard and meadow in Beiertheim-Bulach, became part of the organisational structure of ZKM | Centre for Art and Media in Karlsruhe in 2019. This new connection between a museum and a meadow was initiated by artist Stéphane Verlet-Bottéro as part of the wider exhibition project Critical Zones.
The Katzenwedelwiese is since been used as a public space by ZKM and local residents and groups for land-based practices, community activities and actions, art & inter-species learning.
The meadow is leased, managed and maintained by ZKM, which provides paid time to employees who choose to work the land. The day to day and season to season maintenance of the meadow and its biodiversity addresses ecology, ecological urgencies and cultural connections and concerns through actual and localised practice.
The usership and stewardship of the meadow is shared with residents, the municipality (Liegenschaftsamt), the Bulach Citizens' Association, artists and a growing network and ecosystem of individuals, groups, organisations and initiatives. Artist and programmes at ZKM regularly take place on the meadow, and are also feeding back into exhibitions at the ZKM, which is a 15 min walk away.
A map by Fabian Faylona is illustrating the expansive ecosystem of the meadow in the form of a “Wimmelbild”, showing the multi-species use and nature of the site, and connects to the art sphere of the ZKM, local fruit drinks production and the wider network of orchard preservation initiatives.
In 2021 traditional orchards have been recognised as intangible cultural heritage in Germany.
| Region | Baden-Württemberg |
|---|---|
| Local partners |
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| Population | 0 |
| Common fruit, vegetables, animals | cat tail |
| Distances from Katzenwedelwiese / ZKM | Distances |
| Coordinators | Kathrin BöhmMira Hirtz |
We meet at ZKM – a large, official looking art centre in a former munition factory. "We" that is Mira Hirtz and Kathrin from Myvillages, and we have been meeting online for months, preparing our next two days. It is the start for “Gemeine Getränke” a first pilot drink developed locally and collaboratively, and based on commoning and community economy principles of Company Drinks.
Our walk to Katzenwedelwiese is 15 minutes, where the new drink will be rooted and connected to the multi-usership of the site. The plan is to meet members of the wider Katzenwedelwiese community in the coming days.
A very first visit took place in summer 2025. The meadow was in full abundance, a picnic with other artists on site.
Events
Spring Pruning Day
| Region | Baden-Württemberg |
|---|---|
| Local partners |
|
| Population | 0 |
| Common fruit, vegetables, animals | cat tail |
| Distances from Katzenwedelwiese / ZKM | Distances |
| Coordinators | Kathrin BöhmMira Hirtz |