Stuttgart in Public Space
How do people with a migration background experience and use public spaces in Stuttgart — and what significance do these spaces hold for them?
›Stuttgart im öffentlichen Raum‹ (Stuttgart in Public Space) is a co-productive, artistic research project exploring the appropriation, use, and significance of public spaces from a (post-)migrant perspective, in collaboration with Weiny Fitui.
In Stuttgart, nearly one in two people has a migration background. This diversity shapes city life, especially in public spaces. How are these spaces used? What experiences are associated with them? How does this shape the city?
Stuttgart
There are 299,323 people with a ›migration background‹ living in Stuttgart, accounting for 49% of the population. The city’s history of immigration has not only played a decisive role in shaping the prosperity of the city and the region, but also, more than anywhere else, has shaped the city’s identity.
Public Space
We explore public space as a mirror of social conditions and a reflection of this diversity. Our focus is on questions of accessibility, visibility, and participation: Who shapes public space? What everyday practices and memories are inscribed within it? What perspectives exist beyond official representations and planning policy narratives?
Coproductive knowledge production
Images, stories, observations, voices, and urban research shed light on how diversity is experienced—and where a sense of belonging emerges. Migration is portrayed not as an exception, but as a defining element of urban development. The goal is to build a coproductive archive of (post-)migrant spatial practices.
First Exhibition
In the first exhibition, running from July to October 2025, we were able to present the archive's current state at the Württembergischer Kunstverein. Ongoing dialogue and public reflection are an important part of our collective knowledge-building, as is multilingualism. The exhibition context also serves to help us collectively map out and further develop the archive. In this way, we are gathering personal stories and perspectives, as well as the overlaps and contradictions in the definition of public spaces.
This low-threshold, co-productive process aims to foster a sense of self-efficacy through active participation and to strengthen community through the exchange of ideas and values. The resulting artistic collection is intended to make our diverse society visible and tangible.
A sense of personal belonging, in which repression is a constant companion, the right to space through presence and caring interaction, objects that redefine the space: the camera moves with the protagonists, observes and tells a story of its own, whilst also pausing to let them tell their own stories. It also speaks to the need to claim the shared space for what it truly is: a space for everyone and belonging to everyone.
Unassuming gestures and social relationships, which are inscribed in objects, traces and atmospheres, are documented. Scenes and objects tell of urban practice and of what lies hidden in everyday life – things that often mean much more, or something entirely different, than meets the eye. It is not through monumental gestures, but through everyday actions – even small ones – that space is redefined, preserved and constantly reshaped.
In the summer of 2024, students at the University of Stuttgart conducted research into how migration shapes urban spaces. The focus was on processes of appropriation, issues of visibility and accessibility, and how everyday practices create spaces of belonging. The research provides insights into a city that is interpreted in diverse ways – ranging from everyday use and legal conditions to spatial barriers and opportunities created through self-empowerment.
This project is part of an ongoing process of research and learning. We are aware that – despite taking great care – unintended simplifications, blind spots or unreflective attributions may arise. If you notice anything that is problematic, unclear or incorrect, please do let us know. We welcome feedback, criticism and discussion!
Initiators
Studio Malta with Weiny Fitui
Graphic design
Studio Itch (Jasmina Begović and Barbora Demovič)
Sponsors
City of Stuttgart, Art in Public Spaces
Centre for Cultural Participation Baden-Württemberg, Weiterkommen!
Exhibition
Short films
Director & cinematography: Álvaro García
Post-production: Álvaro García, Yüksel Patir
Sound design: Linus Gramm
Photography
Victor S. Brigola
Urban research
Students from the University of Stuttgart
Graphic design: Nina Ludwig
Texts
Studio Malta (Aida Nejad, Jan-Timo Ort)
Translations
Arabic: Amira Zarari
Turkish: Asli Kermen
Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian: Lejla Begović
Exhibition design
Studio Malta, Weiny Fitui, Nina Ludwig
Exhibition installation
Rebecca Ogle, Ciara Tierney, Min Seob Ji