Science city of Darmstadt comments on workshop cancellation – criticism of “undifferentiated blame”
Darmstadt. During the "Darmstadt Summer Courses," organized by the International Music Institute Darmstadt (IMD) and running until Saturday, an incident occurred on Thursday (July 31) that has now also received political attention. According to a press release from the City of Darmstadt dated August 1, 2025 , a graphic work was presented in a workshop on "Non-Binaryity in Artistic Practice" that, from the perspective of the Schader Foundation, the host institution, was incompatible with the institution's self-image.
An artwork by an Argentinian artist featured political slogans such as "Stop Genocide," "Israel Conqueror," "Whites go Home," and "Free Palestine, Free Wallmapu" and was intended to be part of a performance. The workshop was led by Luxa M. Schüttler, Professor of Composition at the Stuttgart University of Music and Performing Arts.
Workshop group left the Schader Foundation
After reviewing the graphic, the Schader Foundation informed the IMD on Thursday afternoon of its rejection of its content. Following extensive deliberations, the workshop group decided that evening not to continue the workshop at the foundation's premises.
Mayor and Head of Cultural Affairs Hanno Benz expressly welcomed the foundation's actions: "It is legitimate to criticize the actions of the Netanyahu government – many people in Israel do so. But one-sided, historically ignorant, and undifferentiated accusations against Israel are unacceptable and not protected by artistic freedom," Benz emphasized in the city's statement. In his view, the slogans clearly crossed the line of legitimate artistic expression.
No censorship – artworks not damaged
Alexander Gemeinhardt, managing director of the Schader Foundation, clarified that this was not a case of censorship. The foundation had no intention of supporting any illegal activities; the decision to end the event was made by the group itself – without consulting the foundation. The claim that artworks had been removed or damaged was also false. According to the foundation, they were not touched.
The mayor thanked both IMD director Professor Thomas Schäfer and Schader managing director Alexander Gemeinhardt for their “clear action” after the incident.
Peaceful demonstration already on Tuesday evening
According to IMD, a spontaneous, approximately 15-minute "Free Palestine" demonstration took place on the festival campus at the Lichtenberg School on Tuesday evening. The demonstration remained peaceful and ended without incident. The subsequent concert was able to proceed as planned.
Background information on the Darmstadt holiday courses
The Darmstadt Summer Courses are organized every two years by the International Music Institute Darmstadt (IMD), an institution of the City of Darmstadt. Since 1946, the festival has served as a platform for contemporary and experimental music forms, discussions, and international networks. Social and political issues are also regularly addressed in the program.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ho)
