The planned event at the Berliner Volksbühne, which was set up to allow only Black children and youth to swim in a temporary outdoor pool, has been canceled for Friday. Consequently, the pool remains closed throughout the entire day.
Initially, the young people were supposed to enjoy the pool from 12 to 18 o’clock. Afterward, the swimming area was scheduled to be opened to people of different skin colors from 18 to 20 o’clock. However, this later phase has also been scrubbed, with organizers stating, “No one is swimming at the Volksbad today.”
The official reason given for the cancellation is that the children had become targets of right-wing and racist harassment. The organizers stressed that the safety of guests and employees is the top priority, and they could not guarantee safe travel.
Volksbühne Managing Director Matthias Lilienthal announced that the institution intends to continue offering “positive measures for structurally disadvantaged people.” He also expressed solidarity with everyone who is subjected to racism and far-right political labeling.
The “Volksbad” initiative is scheduled to run from August 7th until October 1st. While it is officially described as an art project designed to provide Berliners with an additional cooling option amid overcrowded public baths, the controversy surrounding the project has already generated extensive media coverage, leading some critics to dismiss it as mere “PR.”
