
BAUHAUS.INSIGHTS: One Year of »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy) – What Can We Take Away for the Future?
»Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy) was the theme at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar in 2024. More than 30 projects that focussed on strengthening democracy and participating in democratic processes were carried out through the university's own courses, research projects, and art projects, all in cooperation with partners in Weimar and Thuringia. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s intention was to improve trust in democracy, science, art and educational institutions in 2024 during Thuringia’s super election year.
With its own history in mind - including the expulsion of the historic Bauhaus by right-wing forces - the university wanted to emphasise the importance of an open-minded society and a strong democracy in today's educational institutions. Dr. Ulrike Kuch, Vice President for Social Transformation, and Romi Klockau, advisor to the Vice President, were responsible for proposing and planning this year’s theme.
Dr. Kuch, you chose the theme of »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy) for 2024 specifically because of the many elections that took place last year in Thuringia. What conclusions have you come to, in particular regarding the election results?
Ulrike Kuch: The election results were sobering in that they clearly revealed deep-rooted scepticism towards democracy. This wasn’t surprising, however, given that the social transformation processes are such long-term endeavours and it’s clear that certain challenges can just be overcome at the snap of a finger. Despite this, voter turnout has increased, indicating a growing interest in the elections.
Regardless of the elections, the work carried out by our colleagues in the community is sure to have a long-term impact. The positive energy, the impactful reputation of science and art, and the willingness to engage in conversation and to listen to the people of Thuringia – all these things remain. Part of the equation includes a certain defiance that is associated with standing up for democracy right now and defending democratic values together with the people of Thuringia. I’m incredibly grateful for the support we we’ve been receiving for this work at the university.
Romi Klockau: It’s especially important not only to stand up against anti-democratic movements, but also to live democracy in our everyday lives. Educational institutions have a critical role to play in encouraging participation and creating spaces for open dialogue. At the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, this has been implemented in various ways: Discussion sessions, workshops, and student projects provide the opportunity to critically reflect on current social issues and to come up with solution together. Participation isn’t an abstract notion, it’s a daily practice. As we understand it, our long-term task is to foster these processes.
Which of the 30 projects was especially successful and you can imagine might continue in the future? Did any of the projects involve new partners?
RK: It’s hard to compare the projects as they were so diverse in their approaches and target audiences. Collaborating with new partners from fields that, until now, have had little contact with the university was particularly exciting. These collaborations often yielded surprising perspectives. It has become clear that the most sustainable impact is generated in situations where participation is taken seriously and is actively encouraged.
UK: From my perspective, successful projects are also ones where an exchange takes place on an even playing field between people who normally have little to do with one another. If both sides understand how they benefit from one another and why science and art are not just relevant to society but also productive and, in a sense, responsible for society and its people, then the project is a success. In this way, we also communicate the values we stand for: the importance of a democratic society, freedom of thought and experimentation, diversity, a culture of discourse, and the opportunity for failure. We value and respect those around us, their knowledge and their experience. Imparting a sense of self-awareness is also important for a project’s success.
What recommendations would you make to other educational institutions, especially universities, after this year? Are universities able to implement measures to increase participation in democracy and, if so , what are these measures?
UK: Our university is a founding member of the »Weltoffenes Thüringen« Initiative and I have the privilege of coordinating its »Gruppe Wissenschaft« (science group). One thought came to mind at our first meeting following the state election on 1 September: The aim is to turn disillusionment into action.
And by »action« I mean picking up momentum; the scientists and academic institutions involved - a brand new coalition that has come together due to their interest in an open-minded Thuringia - want to act both collectively and individually to strengthen democracy and the acceptance of academic freedom in Thuringia.
Every academic institution is of course free to choose their own path, where they want to go and what their priorities are. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is a very politically aware institution with a unique image that blends art, science, and outstanding colleagues. In Weimar, we had the opportunity to put our scientific and artistic work to use. Other institutions will find the methods and means that work for them.
RK: In addition to freedom to determine their own priorities, academic institutions should also establish processes that make democratic participation accessible. It’s important to get people actively involved in decision-making processes and to enable them to take responsibility. Participation can’t just be something we teach, it has to be something recognised in everyday life at the university.
You’ve already shared that the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar will be continuing to support projects for strengthening democracy. What does this mean in concrete terms for 2025? Are there plans for another call for proposals?
RK: Absolutely. We want to stay on the ball in Weimar and will be maintaining our network and encouraging colleagues to work with external partners in Thuringia on a long-term basis. We will also be providing financial support for these endeavours on behalf of the Presidential Board.
It would be great if we could continue building on the theme of »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy) to establish long-term collaborations, which is in fact already the case in some situations. Our first step will be to use a dynamic, interactive graphic over the next few weeks to highlight the projects that involved cooperation partners, where they took place, which faculty they belonged to, and much more. The graphic clearly illustrates where the focus was and where there are still »blank spaces«. It will also help make the entire project more visible.
UK: We will also be continuing to work on strengthening democracy within the university. And the university has set itself the goal of integrating participation into its Basic Regulations. We’ll also continue being active by establishing participation models and providing »toolboxes« for increasing participation in the individual areas of the university. We also plan to emphasise the value of committee work, as the Presidential Board has been doing in recent months.
What focal point has the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar set for 2025? Will it incorporate the results of 2024’s »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy)?
UK: Starting in 2025, we’ll be introducing three themes each year. The themes will be based on goals set out by the university in the 2026-2030 »Struktur- und Entwicklungsplan (STEP)« (structure and development plan), which was drawn up by the university community in the spring of 2024. We’ll be incorporating the three-part theme of Human – Environment– Technology and linking it to questions about the past, present, and future with theme »Beyond Now«. We’ll begin with »Beyond Now — Environment« in April 2025. This methodological approach to annual themes (in regard to establishing a network within the university) is very much related to »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy). My perspective on content is that the collaboration with external partners and subject-specific academic communication serve in a major way to establish a common ground.
Moreover, in my opinion, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s commitment to society and in particular to democracy didn’t just begin last year. It’s a part of our identity and our DNA, as has been proven by the amount of participation show by the university. We are in good company both nationally and internationally, something I recently experienced first-hand at a conference. This will continue beyond the changing annual themes.
Dr. Kuch, Ms. Klockau, thank you for sharing your interesting insights and outlooks. We wish you all the best.
The BAUHAUS.INSIGHTS questions on this year’s theme »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy) were asked by freelance editor Franz Löbling.