Conversation with Britta Peters about the Grand Snail Tour

"Otherwise, we always advertise: Come to us! And we expect everyone to move to where the action is," says Britta Peters, artistic director of the Urban Arts Ruhr. Now they wanted to approach things the other way around. In a converted and packed market trailer, Peters and her team have set out on their journey. Over the course of three years, they will travel to all 53 cities in the Ruhr area. Xanten was the first stop, followed by Wesel, Hamminkeln, and so on. From the edges of the Ruhr area, one moves like in a spiral towards the center. The Snail Tour aims for Herne in 2027 as its target. There is a stop every two weeks. "But it's not like we just go somewhere, and bam, we're standing with our trailer in the marketplace or elsewhere – like a UFO," explains Peters. The program is thoroughly prepared in each city. They always rely on a mix: on one hand, artists are invited, and on the other, local groups or actors are sought for collaboration. "One afternoon then becomes like a big joint celebration." For the tour's start in Xanten, for example, the trailer was converted into a temporary drinking hall. Two artists, Paula Erstmann and Lisa Klosterkötter, had developed a special range in collaboration with young people from a recreational center through workshops: homemade drinks or granola bars packaged in uniquely designed cups and bags. Throughout the journey, more and more artists join in and bring their mobile ideas, transforming the still largely static understanding of the artwork on the wall, on the pedestal, or in storage into completely changeable dimensions. As a creative souvenir, a mobile mini golf course can also be in the luggage.