Friendly Makeover Club

As part of the 21st edition of Videonale, the “Friendly Makeover Club” invites you to join us in taking an artistic look at the reality TV makeover format, the corresponding longings and unmet needs in our own lives, and possible alternatives to self-optimization.

The Cologne-based dance ensemble SANFTE ARBEIT, in collaboration with video artist Ale Bachlechner, is organizing six meetings from September through November 2026, during which we will collectively reflect —through performance, text, and movement —on experiences and possibilities of mutual care. These meetings can also serve as a starting point for self-organized groups of participants to help one another, receive help, or successfully resist change.

In November, filming will take place for a new video work that will incorporate the reflections of the Friendly Makeover Club. Participants in the Friendly Makeover Club can be involved in this video work in various ways; there are no expectations or obligations in this regard. The project and initial results of the video work will be presented at the end of the year at a VIDEONALE.21 event in Bad Godesberg.

VIDEONALE.21will take place in Bonn from April 30 to June 13, 2027 (opening: April 29, 2027) under the title “C’est tout une maison (Everything Is a House).” The pre-opening program begins as early as October 2026. The “Friendly Makeover Club” project is part of this pre-opening program.