Darmstadt, the city of science, takes a stand on the workshop cancellation – criticism of “undifferentiated blame”
Darmstadt. During the "Darmstadt Summer Courses," organized by the International Music Institute Darmstadt (IMD), which run until Saturday, an incident occurred on Thursday (July 31) that has now also been given a political context. According to a press release from the Science City of Darmstadt dated August 1, 2025 , a graphic work was presented in a workshop on "Non-binary in artistic practice" that, from the perspective of the Schader Foundation as host, was incompatible with the institution's identity.
The graphic work by an Argentinian artist contained 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.
Workshop group left the Schader Foundation
After reviewing the graphic, the Schader Foundation informed the IMD on Thursday afternoon of its rejection of the content. After extensive consultation, the workshop group decided that evening not to continue the workshop on the foundation's premises.
Mayor and Head of the Cultural Affairs Department, Hanno Benz, explicitly welcomed the foundation's actions: "It is legitimate to criticize the actions of the Netanyahu government—many people in Israel do so as well. But one-sided, history-oblivious, and undifferentiated accusations against Israel are unacceptable and not covered by artistic freedom," Benz emphasized in the city's statement. In his view, the slogans clearly exceeded the boundaries of legitimate artistic expression.
No censorship – works of art not damaged
Alexander Gemeinhardt, managing director of the Schader Foundation, clarified that this was not censorship. The foundation did not intend to support any illegal actions, and the decision to cancel the exhibition was made by the group itself – without consulting the foundation. The claim that artworks were removed or damaged was also false. According to the foundation, these were not touched.
The mayor thanked both IMD Director Professor Thomas Schäfer and Schader Managing Director Alexander Gemeinhardt for their “clear action” following the incident.
Peaceful demonstration on Tuesday evening
According to IMD, a spontaneous, approximately 15-minute "Free Palestine" rally had already taken place on Tuesday evening on the festival campus at the Lichtenberg School. It was peaceful and ended without disruption. The subsequent concert was able to take place as planned.
Background to the Darmstadt Summer Courses
The Darmstadt Summer Courses are organized every two years by the International Music Institute Darmstadt (IMD), an institution of the Science City of Darmstadt. Since 1946, the festival has been a platform for contemporary and experimental musical forms, discourses, and international networks. Social and political issues are also regularly included in the program.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/HO)
