Six ways to be part of it.

Plötzlich 18 (ongoing, project-based throughout the school year): A hands-on programme that uses the challenge of financing a school prom as a real-world starting point. Along the way, young people learn the fundamentals of business planning, bookkeeping, budgeting and shared responsibility. More importantly, they gain lasting skills for adult life: financial literacy, leadership experience and an appreciation of volunteering.

Game Jam (annual; also available for schools and groups on request): A multi-day event where mixed teams of young people conceive, design and present a game within a limited time. The emphasis is on collaboration, creative problem-solving, communication under pressure and mutual respect.

Annual Exhibition for Pupils and Teachers (annual): An annual exhibition showcasing work by pupils and teachers. Each edition explores a different theme, providing a platform for creativity, dialogue and shared learning.

Artist Community (ongoing): Denk.Mal actively creates opportunities and builds partnerships for artists from Celle - locally, across the region and internationally. This includes residency programmes, collaborative exhibitions, networking opportunities, and practical support with applications and funding.

Exhibitions (regular; various formats throughout the year): Throughout the year, Denk.Mal presents exhibitions in a range of formats, bringing together changing themes, artists and perspectives.

Exchange with Hämeenlinna (in development): Celle and Hämeenlinna, Finland, have been twin towns since 1972. Since July 2026, artist Roman Thomas has been spending one month each year at Hämeenlinna’s artist residency, run by Kaputa ry, with the programme continuing until 2028. The exchange is designed to work in both directions, with artist residencies and exhibitions taking place in both cities. On the Celle side, the programme is planned to be hosted by Denk.Mal.

Wohnzimmer Trift 32: Community Space & Pinboard (ongoing; open on selected days): A welcoming meeting place hosted by members of the association and young volunteers. Coffee and tea are available for a small donation. The space provides a home for language practice groups, self-help groups and informal gatherings. Two community pinboards connect people by matching offers of help with requests for support.

German Practice: Open to Everyone (weekly): An informal German conversation group open to everyone, regardless of background, language level or residence status.

Klönschnack: German and International Women in Conversation (every two months, with an annual celebration): A relaxed gathering that brings together women from Germany and around the world. Every two months we explore a different theme: practising German, sharing experiences, reading together or playing games. Once a year, we celebrate with a community festival that marks each participant’s journey and the years they have made Germany their home.

International Celle Christmas Market (annual): A festive market where women entrepreneurs from Celle and women with international backgrounds showcase their products, crafts and culinary specialities. The market brings together people from Celle and around the world through food, gifts, music and seasonal celebrations. Around 20% of the stallholders are men, and warmly welcome. A place where diversity is visible, celebrated and shared.

FrauenWerkstatt (monthly): A hands-on workshop where women learn practical DIY skills together, from putting up shelves and making small repairs to confidently using tools.

Leadership Workshops (several times a year): Two workshop formats: “Women for Women” and “Men for Women”, inviting men to become active allies in supporting women’s leadership. Topics include assertiveness, effective communication, networking, setting healthy boundaries and building confidence and visibility.

Connect & Create (ongoing): An open space for anyone who wants to grow a personal project, creative idea or business, together rather than alone. Through everyday coworking, regular networking events and collaborative workshops, a supportive community takes shape: one built on mutual encouragement, honest feedback and meaningful connections.

Together, everyone achieves more.

Annual Association Forum: Do’s & Don’ts for Non-Profit Associations (annual): An open event for people who already run an association, as well as anyone interested in starting one or learning more about volunteering. Topics include legal essentials, common pitfalls in association management, bookkeeping, successful funding applications and the exchange of practical experience. The aim is to make volunteering easier to understand, more accessible and more effective.

Art Teachers’ Network (approximately every two months): Since 2020, art teachers from across Celle and the surrounding district, including vocational schools, secondary schools, grammar schools, special-needs schools and independent schools, have been meeting at Denk.Mal. What began as an informal gathering has grown into an open and supportive network. Together we exchange ideas, develop projects and organise exhibitions that showcase the work of both pupils and teachers. If you’re an art teacher or simply interested in art, we’d love to hear from you.