Niehler Freiheit is a cultural non-profit initiative with the aim to collectively create, design and culturally use urban space. The site in Köln Bickendorf, has been the perfect breeding ground to create diverse spaces for art, culture, craftsmanship and social projects. Within the 1100 square meters several spaces were created next to the main studio for art and cultural events: bicycle, metal, and wood workshops, analog photo laboratory, an office space, a kitchen and a bistro with surrounding garden area. Each project is done by the interdisciplinary members themselves. Therefore the space itself is constantly growing in infrastructure, workshops, art and cultural happenings.
Numerous collaborations with various external artists and art groups have already been realized at Niehler Freiheit. A total of 56 active members from various disciplines are involved - artists as well as craftsmen/-women. The art and cultural work done in this space is without limitations and fluently combines open-air movie screenings, concerts, exhibitions, performances, dinner-events and the monthly interdisciplinary art festival “Tag der offenen Freiheit”. Openness to experiment and trust are main principles to balance individualism and collectivism. This former car-workshop garage tries to stretch the boundaries of traditional art spaces to create new formats of urban culture and art.