Bauhaus Manifesto: Broad Alliance Defends Art Freedom Against AfD
A group comprising cultural leaders, artisans, architects, and religious institutions has unveiled the "Bauhaus-Manifest 2026" to uphold artistic liberty in response to the AfD's denouncement of Bauhaus as a "misguided approach to modernity." Spearheaded by Wolfram Weimer, the culture minister of Saxony-Anhalt, the manifesto underscores the enduring significance of Bauhaus principles and advocates for safeguarding cultural entities from political bias. Endorsed by prominent organizations, it recalls the Nazi regime's attacks on Bauhaus and stresses the necessity of a culture of remembrance. It champions the idea that artistic independence is essential for democracy and calls for bolstering theaters, museums, and libraries. Established in 1919 by Walter Gropius, Bauhaus transformed art and design. The AfD aims to supplant "#moderndenken" with "#deutschdenken."
Key facts
- The 'Bauhaus-Manifest 2026' was initiated by Wolfram Weimer, culture minister of Saxony-Anhalt.
- The manifesto defends artistic freedom and an open society against the AfD's criticism of the Bauhaus.
- The AfD called the Bauhaus an 'Irrweg der Moderne' (wrong path of modernity).
- Supporters include the Academy of Arts, German Cultural Council, German Design Council, German Association of Cities, German Museums Association, Central Association of German Crafts, German Bishops' Conference, and Evangelical Church in Germany.
- The manifesto recalls the Nazi persecution of the Bauhaus and calls for remembrance culture.
- It asserts that autonomy of artistic work and institutions is essential for democracy.
- The Bauhaus was founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius in Weimar and later moved to Dessau.
- The AfD wants a 'patriotic cultural policy' and plans to replace the slogan '#moderndenken' with '#deutschdenken'.
- Weimer has previously defended the Bauhaus against budget cuts.
- The original Bauhaus Manifesto was written by Gropius in 1919.
- The Bauhaus was closed by the Nazis in 1933.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- AfD
- Bauhaus
- Academy of Arts
- German Cultural Council
- German Design Council
- German Association of Cities
- German Museums Association
- Central Association of German Crafts
- German Bishops' Conference
- Evangelical Church in Germany
- Deutsche Presse-Agentur
- Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau
- Bauhaus-Archiv/Museum für Gestaltung Berlin
- Klassik Stiftung Weimar
- Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)
Locations
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Weimar
- Dessau
- Germany
- Hungary
- Berlin