BOTIN – The performative archive for unsent messages

From 11 to 14 September 2025, an unusual location at Cologne’s wholesale market will become the stage for what has remained unsaid until now. BOTIN – a mixed-abled production by Un-Label, directed by Philine Velhagen – invites people to submit their never-sent messages anonymously.

Whether it’s an angry rant to an ex, an apology to a girlfriend (three years too late), a message to a deceased father, or a desperate letter about looking for a flat. Messages that were too angry, too vulnerable, too late, or simply never finished – BOTIN gives these messages their first and last appearance. And not at the front door of the ex-husband, but on the grounds of Cologne’s wholesale market, between market stalls, lorries and rubbish bins. This is where the temporary archive for unsent messages is created.

An experienced team of archivists and artistic researchers receives each message, sorts it, interprets it and transforms it. In this way, what was previously unheard is made audible. Visitors become proxy recipients of numerous different messages – perhaps even a message that is closer to them than they thought.

Before visitors are allowed to enter the heart of the archive, the sorting centre, their own part of the work begins. Everyday life must be put aside – everything that prevents us from really listening. In a performative act, hastily typed messages, voice memos, personal stories, or the last post are dismantled together. Only this personal archiving process opens the way to the sorting centre – and creates space for what is really important: the unheard.

With creative audio description, a guidance system for people who use long canes, and Braille for orientation.
Assistance dogs welcome.
With interpretation into German Sign Language (DGS) on 13 and 14 September.
Accessible for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair spaces can be chosen flexibly.
Wheelchair-accessible portable toilet.
Assistants available on site if required, as well as a pick-up service from public transport stops.

You can find all information on accessibility here.