Mannheim, Germany

Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle were invited by Carman Göth and her amazing partner Margret, and QZM (the Mannheim Queer Center) to queer the Buga Garden Show (August 17-24). BUGA is the German National Garden Show and in 2023 it was held in Mannheim, Germany. With the help of our director Joy Brooke Fairfield and our team of five local performers we performed five walking tours, gave artist talks, screened Water Makes Us Wet, with a water bar, and more. 

The Federal Garden Show was a project for urban society – with exhibition contributions, a program of events and flower shows, it also aims to support urban and regional development in the long term.

During the planning process of the two exhibition areas – in the Luisenpark and on the Spinelli site – sustainability and environmental protection should be the focus. The 17 global sustainability goals are the guiding principles of the Federal Garden Show.

Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens our performance “The Earth as Lover” was a further development of the basic ideas of the two US artists, together with queer artists from Mannheim. The walks were developed specifically for the BUGA. The artists’ work is intended to “awaken in others the desire to love, appreciate and honor the Earth as if it were their beloved, rather than expecting the Earth to care for them like a mother.” The often referred to “Mother Earth” becomes the “Beloved Earth” – which deserves love and protection. “The Earth as Lover” asks central questions about the positioning of individuals in the world: how do I stand in the world? How do I connect with my environment?

For BUGA 23, special walks, so-called walks, are developed and carried out across the BUGA 23 grounds under the artistic direction of Sprinkle, Stephens and the participating regional artists. 

Earth as Lover Ecosex Walking Tours
August 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
August 19th 6-8 p.m.
August 21st 6-8 p.m.
August 22nd 6-8 p.m.
August 23rd 10 a.m. to 12 p.m

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