Unicult: Review of a legendary concert phenomenon in Saarland!

Unicult: Review of a legendary concert phenomenon in Saarland!

The concert initiative UniCult, which played a formative role in the cultural history of the Saar University from 1976 to 1990, will be recognized with various events this year. This initiative of the ASTA, which saw itself as a non -profit, was able to bring international stars on stage with sizes such as R.E.M., Level 42 and Depeche Mode. National artists such as BAP and TON stones were also on the UniKult stage. The initiative derives its name from Unifilm, the AStA's film presentation, and was largely shaped by Jürgen Thomas, who took over the management in 1979 and brought about a new zeitgeist in the 1980s. Despite her initial success, which culminated in the first half of the 1980s, Unikult had to stop operating due to financial deficits and dwindling interest from the ASTA. The last event took place on April 21, 1990, as Rheinpfalz reported.

In order to keep the memories of this epoch -making time alive, an exhibition entitled "Popkult Made by Unikult" opened in VHS Saarbrücken on March 6. It runs until April 25 and presents original concert posters as well as memories of former UniKult members and visitors. At the beginning of this year there was already an accompanying exhibition in the Garelly house, which was organized by Poprat Saarland e.V., Unikult and the Union Foundation. The first exhibition showed documents such as concert recordings, photos and admission tickets and was part of a comprehensive memory project that also includes the book "Unikult Proudly Presents: Saarland pop history (s)", which contains personal experiences and concert photos of the time.

part of Saarland cultural history

UniCult was not only known for concerts; The initiative also organized readings, cabaret evenings and student parties. The cultural events made a significant contribution to the lively atmosphere at the university and in the region. As the Poprat Saarland website explains, Unikult was founded in 1976 by Werner "Goldi" Balzert. However, the first concert on November 18, 1976 was not financially successful. Only a solidarity event was able to save the initiative and laid the foundation for its later heyday.

The exhibition is supported by several institutions, including the University of Saarland and the Historical Museum Saar. The cooperation of these various actors shows the interest in documenting cultural history. In addition, the exhibition is part of the “Kulturkraftwerk” project, funded by the state capital of Saarbrücken and the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Saarland to document the influences and the history of Unikult beyond the region.

documentation and digitization

A central goal of the project is to preserve the history of Unicult sustainably. Digital access to the collected materials is sought, which should contribute to the transfer of the exhibition to the Historical Museum Saar. Not only the memories of the time are kept alive, but also future generations will receive approaches to these cultural treasures.