Frankfurt's Dondorf Printing Works Occupation Persists
The ongoing occupation of the former Dondorf printing works in Frankfurt persisted on Monday, with eight individuals remaining on the building's rooftop as per a police spokesperson's statement. This is the second occupation by the collective "Die Druckerei" this year, marking over a week since it began.
Following the evacuation of the building's interior by the police, a group of activists navigated their way to the roof. Their demand is to preserve the building as an industrial and cultural monument, as it is slated for demolition to make room for a new development. The state of Hesse owns the building.
The AStA (General Students' Committee) of Frankfurt University criticized the police for isolating and besieging the activists, claiming they were denying them access to basic necessities such as water, medicine, food, and blankets. The police operation, according to the committee, should be concluded promptly.
Undeterred by the cold, wet conditions and sleep deprivation, the activists expressed their willingness to continue talks with the authorities. The police confirmed they were open to escorting the activists safely into the building, where they could access food and water.
Did you know? The Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, a well-known art museum, plans to temporarily shift to the Bockenheim district due to renovations at its main venue in Römer square. During this period, the museum is expected to host various exhibitions and events at the former Dondorf printing factory, including a project by Sasha Waltz & Guests and solo exhibitions by international artists[1].
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[1] Enrichment Data: The information provided does not detail an ongoing occupation of the former Dondorf printing works in Frankfurt, Germany. Instead, it describes the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt's plans to temporarily relocate to the former Dondorf printing factory in the Bockenheim district of Frankfurt due to renovations at its main venue at the Römer square in the city center. During this period, the Schirn will showcase various exhibitions and events at the factory, including a major project by Sasha Waltz & Guests and solo exhibitions by Stephanie Comilang, Suzanne Duchamp, Bárbara Wagner & Benjamin De Burca, and Thomas Bayrle. The former Dondorf printing factory is an important historical building complex with prominent industrial architecture, which is currently being adapted for use by the Schirn. There is no mention of an ongoing occupation or any specific authorities' response to such an event. The focus is on the Schirn's relocation and its planned activities at the new temporary location.
