An event series on the Bauhaus and diversity

Millions of people in Germany are publicly taking a stand against right-wing extremism and exclusion, and voicing support for democracy and participation. As cultural institutions, museums represent an open society. Now more than ever, they are called upon to state their position and create spaces for dialogue and debate. With our new event series, we wish to initiate a discussion on fundamental democratic principles and the strengths of a diverse, solidarity-oriented society.

The Bauhaus serves as a historic point of reference for understanding our present circumstances. After all, the school existed during an era of political and social volatility from 1919 to 1933. At the Bauhaus, instructors and students taught and learned together – people from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and from all around the world. The Bauhaus was the target of right-wing populist attacks from the very beginning, which ultimately resulted in the school’s closure.

Based on the Bauhaus, we view taking a stand as an important element of our institutional practice and as a skill that requires exercise. Exercises in material studies and paper-folding distinguished the Bauhaus preliminary course and helped students develop their individual abilities. At the same time, instructors encouraged students to explore their own convictions regarding design and social attitude. With our event series, we invite the public to engage in critical thinking, reflection and examination in order to learn from one another and practise the art of taking a stand. Against the backdrop of the historic Bauhaus and in view of recent political developments and debates, we ask how we, as a cultural institution, and individual citizens can take on greater responsibility and actively strengthen an open society.

An Exercise in Defending Democracy
An event series on the Bauhaus and diversity

the temporary bauhaus-archiv
Knesebeckstraße 1, Berlin-Charlottenburg
Mon–Sat, 10 am – 6 pm
Free admission