NEUE WÄNDE 2026 is the sixth edition of this festival. Under new leadership, the festival aims to reconnect with its roots and bring the European idea back into focus. Today, more than ever, it is important to remember that universities and urban societies can only overcome the great societal challenges of the future if they are willing to collaborate and exchange ideas across national borders. Culture has always served as an ambassador between nations, and the younger the arts, the less they are tied to any one nation. NEUE WÄNDE 2026 seeks to highlight this with a special program by inviting student bands and newcomers from the university cities of Münster’s partner cities – Enschede, Kristiansand, Lublin, Orléans, York, and Vinnytsia. After a selection process, one act per partner city will have the opportunity to present themselves in Münster and exchange ideas with other festival musicians. This European program will be developed in close cooperation with the Office for International Affairs of the City of Münster.