The exhibition "Let the Grass Roots Grow" at the Runder Ecke is the beginning of this multi-part programme, which focuses on an exchange between the video scenes in Dresden and London. We focus on exploring communities – those from the immediate neighbourhood or those of an international art wolrd –  through the garden or greespace. We want to find out to what extent urban natural zones serve ecological activities, the development of ideas and culture and the encounter of different people. Or in other words: what role does nature play for city dwellers? The topic was inspired by initiatives at SET and riesa efau that green their neighbourhoods, taking steps in everyday life to protect the climate and foster sustainability. 

Let the Grassroots Grow was initiated by Videocity together with the host organisation riesa efau and the British partner SET. All organisations share the much-vaunted "grassroots" ethos - a grassroots democratic attitude and personal initiative. Both combine art and society.

The current programme builds on last year's exchange with mutual visits were accompanied by digital research. We were able to get to know each other, learn from each other and research artists on-site. The current exhibition shows works by artists that the teams encountered during their research or via the yearly Videocity open call.  The focus is on young talent and discoveries. Three artists from Dresden and three from England, including a duo collaborating between Germany and the UK, are taking part. The videos are selected in relation to the location, reflecting green spaces and the visual experiences of passers-by.

For us, bringing together video art scenes from two different regions constitutes an important gesture. Thanks to the intangible quality of video art, which enables its dissemination beyond city boundaries, we will share the results with different audiences in Dresden and London and stimulate an international discussion. We believe that many are facing similar challenges in the wake of the climate crisis.

Artists: Lisa Maria Baier, Adonia Bouchehri, Nick Crowe & Ian Rawlinson, Leon Michel, Abi Palmer, Veronika Pfaffinger.

Curators: Andrea Domesle, Polina Chizhova und das Videocity-Team. With thanks to Rowan Bell.

Photography by Andreas Seeliger.