Raising the bet

Nine tables are being installed onto the inner and outer edges of the octagon shaped concret patches of the Ebertplatz in Cologne city center. The frame of the tables mimics the brutalistic style of the city square. On the tabletops, the chess board structure overlays the ground plan of the Ebertplatz. In 2018, Ebertplatz became known for its aggressive atmosphere. In the warmer seasons, people with no positive outlook on life would gather on the square. While the media and police tried to drive them away, the "Raising the bet" intervention aimed to invite people to linger over a game, a chat or a snack. All tables were warmly welcomed and kept in good condition over the four years.

The intervention was part of the summer festival of the artgallery cooperative Brunnen e.V. at the Ebertplatz in Cologne on July 20th 2018. From 2019-2021 the tables were permanently installed in the spring and summer season.