Following the motto “Seid umschlungen” (“Be embraced”), the Festival has explored European questions and issues over the course of three years and many events. During the 2016 season the values of European Enlightenment were questioned, and in 2017 the Festival once again uses three words from Schiller’s ode An die Freude (Ode to Joy): “Freude” / “schöner” / “Götterfunke” (“Joy” / “beautiful” / “divine spark”). Europe raises many questions each and every day – including that of how we are to deal with the increasing uncertainty about a European community (of values), and the one of how to redeem the great promise which Europe also represents.

Starting with the Festival’s opening on August 18, 33 neon lamps spell out the word “Europa” in capital letters and clearly on the western pediment of the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum, raising awareness, inspiring thought – and also symbolizing joy about Europe.

The lettering was initiated via crowdfunding in the autumn of 2016 and has already been displayed at the Königgalerie/St. Agnes in Berlin for half a year, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the EU. Afterwards, EUROPA was installed on the stage tower of the Komische Oper Berlin for Europe Day. Now, the Ruhrtriennale has chosen it to symbolize its commitment to Europe on the façade of the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum.