The freedom to be free: art and culture between dialogue and polarization – Sophiensæle | Independent Theater in Berlin
The freedom to be free: art and culture between dialogue and polarization
German and English spoken language with simultaneous interpretation in German Sign Language
Goethe-Institut as guest
As part of The freedom to be free
Free entry, registration via goethe.de
The freedom to be free is the title of an essay by Hannah Arendt in which she describes how the freedom to participate in politics is a central element of democracy. In 1967, she wrote that the topic was almost shamefully urgent. And this sentence still applies today. In many countries, populist movements are threatening freedom of art and expression and safe spaces for open dialogue are becoming increasingly rare.
However, it is not only the political and structural conditions that are changing and becoming more restrictive. Cultural debates in Germany are also becoming increasingly narrow and polarized. This makes a differentiated dialogue and an open exchange on important topics more difficult, yet they are so important today.
On this occasion, the new president of the Goethe-Institut, Gesche Joost, discusses with international artists and professionals from the cultural sector what freedom means to them today.
Impulses and discussion with:
Jens Balzer (journalist, author), Zasha Colah (curator 13th Berlin Biennale), Johannes Ebert (Secretary General Goethe-Institut), Gesche Joost (President Goethe-Institut), Hajnalka Somogyi (founder, curator OFF-Biennale Budapest), Hito Steyerl (filmmaker, author)
An event of the Goethe-Institut
