Description
Including discussions, music, games and snacks
While the crisis of democracy is being discussed everywhere, the space in front of the Kreuzkirche becomes a vibrant version of the ancient Greek »Agora«: A meeting place for our urban society – for controversial discussion about freedom, equality and justice, for the collective experience of playing and music, for the understanding of how living together in a diverse world can succeed.
Please note: Due to the early autumn weather, the two panel discussions will take place in the Kreuzkirche, while the Democracy Fair activities will take place on the church forecourt in the covered Festival Centre.
12:00–16:00: The Democracy Fair
Our democracy must not be sold at the fun fair, but why not confront what was proclaimed in Bonn 75 years ago with enjoyment for once? You can do just that at the Democracy Fair: At several »Stalls«, you can playfully learn a lot about Germany’s Basic Law, our democracy and the opportunities to get involved yourself. And we promise: There will be popcorn and hook-a-duck too!
12:00–13:30: »Look into the crystal ball«
Inside the Kreuzkirche
Dr. Julia Reuschenbach political scientist
Peer Steinbrück Bundesminister a. D./Ministerpräsident des Landes NRW a. D.
Steven Walter Director of Beethovenfest Bonn
Moderation: Dr. Helge Matthiesen (Editor-in-Chief, General-Anzeiger Bonn)
The future of our democracy and the responsibility of the arts
Panel discussion in cooperation with Germany’s Federal Agency for Civic Education and the General-Anzeiger Bonn
With the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law in mind, our guests discuss democracy as the best form of government known to us. They discuss the potential of art and culture to strengthen democracy and examine the music festival as a democratic forum for the exchange of different opinions and participation in creative processes. But also for the utopian experience of being connected with unknown people in a shared musical experience – a place to practice democratic thinking and action, which is increasingly under threat.
14:30–16:00: Wheel of fortune of opportunities?
Inside the Kreuzkirche
Prof. Dr. Andrea D. Bührmann soziologist
Anja Bihlmaier Conductor
Marcus Tebogo Desando Executive Director of Prince Claus Fund Amsterdam
Dr. Bernhard Helmich Director of Theater Bonn
Moderation: Hannah Schmidt
Power structures in classical music. New approaches for musical training and selection
Panel discussion in cooperation with the Women’s Cultural Office NRW
In a society in which discourses critical of power and gender are becoming louder, classical music as a subsidized art form and its symbols have come into the line of fire: What can a future of music-making look like that overcomes hierarchies and facilitates access? And how do experts assess the situation of classical music in terms of racism, classism and sexism?
