Protest for affordable accomodations in Basel
Around 500 people protested against the displacement of tenants in Basel on Saturday afternoon.
The protest was organised after all the tenants of Mülhauserstrasse 26 were given notice to leave in the autumn by the owner, the pension fund Basel-Stadt. The protesters called on the government to withdraw the notice and ensure they can remain in their houses during a major renovation of the building.
However, instead of a total refurbishment, the protestors say only a partial renovation of the building is necessary. They also mentioned the difficult situation with the housing market in general, in particular a lack of affordable flats.
The protest started in Claraplatz and ended at Mülhauserstrasse 26, where the participants created a human chain around the building.
A successful Basler Museumsnacht 2017
Once again the Basler Museumsnacht was well attended, with the cold weather leading to longer stays and larger participation in activities at the museums. An hour before the event ended, a total of 83'136 entries into museums were recorded, representing 7'279 or eight per cent fewer than last year.
The event, which has been held every year since 2001, marks the start of the next cultural year in Basel's museums. A total of 37 museums and cultural institutions, including the Archives of the Canton Basel-Stadt, the Archaeological Soil Research Agency, and the Botanical Garden participated this year. The eight-hour event ran until 2am with 200 programme items and an impressive variety of contents shown in unconventional ways.
Sonja Kuhn, vice manager of the Cultural Department of Basel-Stadt, said: «It is impressive to see how creatively the museums and exhibition rooms design their premises with so much effort and joy. This delight in experimentation could be seen among the visitors who love to have new experiences. Our department is convinced that these encounters can anchor the broad cultural offers of the city in the population.»
For the third time in its 17-year history, there was a local focus to the event: After Dreispitz and Volaplatz were the focus in previous years, this year the area around the Kaserne in Kleinbasel was in the limelight, with a possibility to different exhibition rooms and artistic performances.
Thomas Heimann, from the Klingental exhibition room, said: «The talks with guests about the everydays of an artist were well visited and it was great to experience how the public got involved. Many visitors who came did not know previously about the Kaserne. The cold weather prevented people from moving around and they remained longer at their chosen premises.»
Once again, Museumsnacht was very popular among younger audiences. It was estimated that this year around 40 per cent of the visitors were under the age of 26. The guided tours in French, English, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, and Russian at diverse collections and exhibitions were very popular.
Matthias Leuenberger, delegate of Novartis Switzerland, said: «The atmosphere at Museumsnacht is always fascinating. I experience people, myself included, as open and curious. In particular I like it that so many young people and families with children are around who explore the colourful offers with joy.»
For the third time, those with a migratory background were addressed with a special programme. More than 550 people attended the Museumsnacht together with volunteers from political and social organisations, cultural associations and education centres.
Francesca Drosi, a young volunteer, attended the event along with a Syrian family: «We were on the move together for four hours,» she said.
«The girls loved the soap bubble artist. They lost their shyness completely at the mermaid-photoshooting and took the souvenir picture home with pride. The mother wants to come again next year.»