Den Kulturkampf gewinnen

An event organised by Festivalfriends, the festival association of the independent performing arts in Germany.

Artistic freedom is in danger! In many European countries, right-wing extremist parties are actively trying to intimidate, attack and discredit theatre and cultural institutions. Members of parliament from far-right parties are proposing cuts, inciting against artistic programmes that do not correspond to their ideology; far-right activists are disrupting events and trying to spread a climate of fear.

How can we protect our theatre and cultural institutions against attacks from the right? What strategies can we develop together to defend our artistic and socio-political means of expression and action? How can we, as actors in the performing arts, preserve our democratic stance and present it to the outside world with courage, self-confidence and fearlessness?

The discussion panel brings together theatre makers from European countries who have experience in fighting right-wing conservative and populist governments. The panel invites you to share success stories, learn about tools and strengthen networks in order to be better armed against attacks from the right.

In conversation: Frauke Wetzel (cultural scientist and manager, doctorate in Eastern European history - Chemnitz), Michał Kmiecik (director and dramaturge - Poland) and Vanja Vasiljevic (EU project development and management in the field of performing arts - Italy).

Moderated by Fabiola Eidloth, dramaturge and co-curator of the festival.

The event will be held in English.