Stadium culture examined

Football fans in Barcelona have the opportunity this spring to visit a fascinating exhibition in the Spanish city which portrays the many emotions that cross football enthusiasts' minds – including negative ones such as racism and violence. The backing of UEFA and the German Football Association (DFB) helped to take the exhibition to Essen, Germany where it opened in December 2004.

Cult venue
The exhibition is called Stadium Cult(ure) – focusing on the stadium as a cult venue. It is being staged by Littmann Kulturprojekte Basel organisation, and will run until 20 April at the Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona.

Huge interest
The exhibition has previously been held in Basel, Switzerland and Essen, and has proved to be of huge interest as European football fights to eliminate racism, violence and intolerance in football stadiums. "Over the past 20 years or so, we have seen the emergence of a new phenomenon in Europe's stadiums. It is the use, by a minority, of the football arena as a forum for violent, racist or discriminatory activity," say the organisers in welcoming visitors to the exhibition.

Too serious to be ignored
"This means that when football also considers violence, racism and discrimination to be crimes rather than expressions of opinion, stadiums are transformed from being cultural venues into crime scenes. Even if only a minority spoil the mood, in contrast to the millions who regularly enjoy football peacefully, the discord is too loud, and societal damage too great, to be ignored.

Stimulating discussions
"In Stadium Cult(ure), Littmann Kulturprojekte takes up this phenomenon, presenting the issues, mechanisms and dynamics of such excesses in an unusual way, in surprising contexts, and with the aim of stimulating discussion," they add. In particular, the organisers reflect that over the years, owing to events such as the 1985 Heysel Stadium tragedy and other violent incidents, football has lost its innocence.

Fascination with football
"Stadium Cult(ure) also demonstrates, however, that the fascination with football continues uninterrupted," the organisers explain. "It shows how, weekend after weekend, millions of people come together, bringing enthusiasm and creative potential that transforms the stadiums back into centres for art and culture."

Events lined up
Complementary events are also lined up – podium discussions between fans and club representatives, readings and football cabaret are expected to attract a great number of football fans to the Stadium Cult(ure) exhibition.

Address
The exhibition will take place at the Placa de Catalunya, 9, Espai Cultural, Caja Madrid, 08002 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 301 44 94
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