co-pro
ECHOES
a parallel soundwalk
between Cologne and Istanbul
We walk through the city for 60 minutes.
We pause, listen, and make connections – to each other, to the here and now, and into the distance.
ECHOES
begins with the seemingly simple phenomenon of the echo – and yet means more: memories, traces, repetitions, and spaces of resonance for collective and individual stories.
Which voices fade unheard?
Which are amplified?
Which narratives shape our sense of reality – and whose stories are missing?
Two Cities, One Time
ECHOES?
ECHOES is an installative, artistic soundwalk taking place simultaneously in Cologne and Istanbul.
Through a live audio connection, two groups of participants are linked in real time - voices, music, and sound fragments flow between the cities.
Together, we explore sound, space, and resonance.
ECHOES does not seek superficial similarities between two places.
Instead, it finds common ground within differences: in shared time, in sound, in moments of attentive listening.
Voices, compositions, and installative elements weave the everyday with the political, opening new perspectives on city and society.
Background
ECHOES is a collaborative project by bridgeworks (Cologne) and Çıplak Ayaklar Kumpanyası (Istanbul).
An interdisciplinary team of artists from both cities has developed this artistic soundwalk, taking place simultaneously in Cologne and Istanbul.
For several months, the teams have been working together in residencies and exchange projects to create new forms of dialogue and collaboration through art – across linguistic, geographical, and cultural boundaries.
ECHOES is the first joint project within this exchange.
Emerging from current political tensions, questions of artistic freedom and perception, and the historical connections between Germany and Turkey, this collaboration understands difference not as division, but as resonance.
Team
CONCEPT & DEVELOPEMENT: Viola Hilbing // Anna Beetz // Nazlı Tecimer
ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS: Serkan Aka // Anna Beetz // Berke Can Özcan // Chriss Gross // Viola Hilbing // Nazlı Tecimer // Esra Yorulmaz // Sandra Zawada
SUPPORT: Ela Schu
SOUNDDESIGN: Chriss Gross
TECHNICAL CONCEPT: Daniel Swoboda // Defne Gül
Special thanks to:
startklar a+b, Erik A. Werner, Stephan Stock, Simon Eifeler
Listen to Parts of ECHOES
Echo
An echo of an echo of an echo. A sound that multiplies until it becomes something new.
Interviews
We asked ourselves: What makes a city? Our answer: people. Then we asked you: What makes a city? … your answers are part of the walk.
Sirenen
A waterfall, like a whisper, became an echo, into sirens, into Loreley.
Another echo of history: once again a woman becomes a projection surface for desire and is simultaneously blamed for the death of many men.
Workshops
As part of ECHOES NEOLA art projects e.V. is organizing workshops with young people in Cologne. Further information and registration
A co-production by bridgeworks and Çıplak Ayaklar Kumpanyası.
Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and by the City of Cologne – Division for Europe and International Affairs and the Department of Arts and Culture (Cultural Office).
Dates & Locations
cologne
27 November 2025
Starts at 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM (CET)
28 November 2025
Starts at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM (CET)
Start and Finish:
Project Space Startklar a+b
Ebertplatz Passage (lower level)
50668 Cologne
Duration: approx. 70 minutes (no intermission)
In istanbul
27.11.25
Start um 17.30 Uhr und um 19.30 Uhr Eastern European Time
28.11.25
Start um 18 Uhr und um 20 Uhr
Eastern European Time
Start und Ende: Kadiköy, Moda
Practical Information
Headphones are provided.The audiowalk takes place outdoors.Please note: minor steps and uneven surfaces must be navigated.Participation is only possible while walking; a seated visit is unfortunately not possible.Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
Languages:
English · German · Turkish · nonverbal