People from a wide variety of backgrounds, religions, skin colors, and walks of life came together for the kick-off event at the Mainfrankentheater Würzburg. Mayor and patron Christian Schuchardt welcomed the project in a video message. He emphasized the importance of commitment to greater coexistence and showed great interest in the voices of the people who will have their say as part of 1,000 experiences. At the same time, he criticized the loss of funding for democracy and integration – especially at a time when this support is urgently needed.

Thomas Kirchberg and Pia Beckmann hosted the program. Director Dirk Terwey welcomed the guests on behalf of the Mainfrankentheater. Artistic director Markus Trabusch, who had supported the project from the beginning, also sent a greeting.

Dr. Jürgen Emmert, director of the Museum am Dom and head of the art department of the Diocese of Würzburg, provided an inspiring insight into the exhibition 1,000 Odysseys by Winfried Muthesius. Dramaturg Tim Puls explained the cooperation with the plays Maria Stuart and Medea and presented the work of theater education, which reaches over 7,000 young people every year. Under the heading “Arrival,” she will help shape the project over the course of a year, providing further important impetus for mutual understanding and self-efficacy.

In a conversation with Pia Beckmann, Winfried Muthesius spoke about the themes of his artistic work. The motif of death is particularly influential for him: it is the only thing in life that is certain – and he considers it essential to shape one's life consciously based on this awareness.

In the second part of the event, visitors got to know each other better in informal discussion groups. A wide variety of people engaged in conversation and exchanged their perspectives.

Finally, the website endlichankommen.info
 was presented. It contains all the information, dates, and events, as well as the accompanying podcasts “1,000 Experiences,” which are published in the podcast “PEACE OUT” by pics4peace – available on all popular platforms.

New episodes featuring people from Würzburg telling their stories will now be released every Sunday and Thursday on the pics4peace social media channels.

The feedback from participants was overwhelming: many signaled their willingness to get involved, some offered concrete support, and others expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to meet new and inspiring people.

We look forward to a year full of further creative encounters.