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Bundeskunsthalle Launches BONN SUMMIT on Culture and Politics

festival-fair · 2026-07-24

From September 16 to 18, the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn will host the first-ever BONN SUMMIT, a forum named 'European Forum on Culture and Politics.' Centered around the theme 'Cultural Forces for Open Societies,' this summit seeks to tackle the challenges facing democracy and formulate strategies for resilience. It responds to the growing politicization of cultural institutions and the emergence of antidemocratic movements worldwide. The first day, titled 'The New World Order,' will explore the implications of the transatlantic West's decline on European cultural sovereignty. The second day, 'Cultural Infrastructures under Attack,' will address threats like disinformation and the diminishing of civil society spaces, featuring Expert Labs and Deep Dives. The final day will focus on future narratives and leadership for Europe. Notable speakers include Glenn Micallef (EU Commissioner for Culture), Sven Lehmann (Chair of the German Bundestag's Culture Committee), and others. The summit aims to foster active participation from all attendees.

Key facts

  • Bundeskunsthalle launches BONN SUMMIT: European Forum on Culture and Politics.
  • Event runs from September 16 to 18, 2025.
  • Theme: 'Cultural Forces for Open Societies'.
  • Day one: 'The New World Order' – end of transatlantic West.
  • Day two: 'Cultural Infrastructures under Attack' – disinformation, deepfakes, resilience.
  • Day three: Future narratives and European leadership.
  • Speakers include Glenn Micallef, Sven Lehmann, Marion Ackermann, Omri Boehm, Matej Drlička, Siri Hummel, Dominika Kasprowicz, Elizabeth Larison, Claus Leggewie.
  • Summit is participatory, with Expert Labs and Deep Dives.

Entities

Artists

  • Glenn Micallef
  • Sven Lehmann
  • Marion Ackermann
  • Omri Boehm
  • Matej Drlička
  • Siri Hummel
  • Dominika Kasprowicz
  • Elizabeth Larison
  • Claus Leggewie

Institutions

  • Bundeskunsthalle
  • European Union
  • German Bundestag
  • SPK (Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz)
  • New School New York
  • Open Culture! Bratislava
  • Maecenata Institut
  • Villa Decius
  • National Coalition Against Censorship

Locations

  • Bonn
  • Germany
  • New York
  • United States
  • Bratislava
  • Slovakia

Sources