We celebrate: 15 years of the Opera Village!

Exactly 15 years ago today – on February 8, 2010 – the foundation stone for the Opera Village was laid. Christoph Schlingensief, whose vision and philosophy continue to shape this unique place to this day, said at the time: ‘Art is, at best, an organism that connects with life and creates entirely new forces from it.’

15 years later, the Opera Village has developed into a unique project that extends far beyond Burkina Faso. Here, art, culture, and social responsibility meet to open new perspectives for the local people and sustainably enrich life. The Opera Village has become a place of international encounter, where both the local population and artists from all over the world can exchange ideas. At the heart of the project is the promotion of the local community. With educational programs, a health center, and cultural initiatives, the Opera Village provides space for growth and development for people from the region. Especially the Artist-in-Residence program is a cornerstone of these efforts. It is an example of Schlingensief’s vision that art has the power to ‘solve things in new ways’ – a power that we experience in the Opera Village when artists work together with the local community on projects that strengthen intercultural dialogue and promote social innovations.

‘Learning from Burkina Faso!’ – these words of Schlingensief have accompanied us from the very first day. Thanks to the collective commitment of many people, we have created a place that shows us all that art can change the world. For our anniversary, we would like to offer a special insight into the developments of the Opera Village over the last 15 years – from the first construction measures to today’s projects and the vibrant atmosphere that shapes the place. Long live the Opera Village!

From Vision to Reality – The Search for the Perfect Location Begins (2009) © Aino Laberenz

First Milestone Achieved – Groundbreaking and Construction Start (2010) © Aino Laberenz

A Dream Comes True – Grand Opening of the school of the Opera Village (2011) © Frieder Schlaich

Health in Focus – Opening of the Health Station (2012) © Motandi Ouoba

Art Knows No Boundaries – Launch of the International Artist-in-Residence Program (2015) © Lennart Laberenz

Knowledge as Foundation – Construction of the Library (2017) © Sévèrin Sobgo

More Space for Education – School Expansion (2018) © Francis Kéré

Lights, Camera, Action! – The First Edition of the Children’s and Youth Film Festival KIFIFE (2019) © Sandra Schwede

Sustainability Grows – Development of the School Garden (2020) © Omar Ouedraogo

Education for All – Launch of Literacy Courses for Women © Laurentine Bayala

The Future on the Big Screen – Second Edition of the Children’s and Youth Film Festival The Future is Africa in Berlin © Tabita Hub

Boundless Art – Cooperation with the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut (2024) © Orson Sieverding