German States Adopt Dessau Declaration for Bauhaus Anniversary

On the occasion of the Bauhaus anniversary, the German states have adopted the 'Dessau Declaration' (Dessauer Erklärung), affirming their commitment to a free, open, and diverse cultural landscape. The declaration was issued by the culture ministers and senators of the German states (Länder) at the Kulturministerkonferenz (Conference of Ministers of Culture). It underscores the importance of artistic and cultural freedom across Germany. The declaration is named after Dessau, a city closely associated with the Bauhaus movement, which was founded in 1919 and celebrated its centenary in 2019. The Bauhaus school, known for its influential approach to art, design, and architecture, operated in Weimar, Dessau, and Berlin before its closure in 1933. The Dessau Declaration serves as a political statement reaffirming the role of culture in a democratic society, particularly in the context of the anniversary celebrations. The declaration was published by the Kulturstiftung der Länder (Cultural Foundation of the German States), which supports cultural heritage and projects. The adoption of the declaration highlights the ongoing relevance of Bauhaus ideals and the commitment of German states to protect and promote cultural diversity.