When even the church bells are silent
By W. Christian Schmitt

Between 1950 and 1975 there was the legendary “Darmstadt Conversations” series of events. In short, the aim was to bring citizens interested in culture closer to relevant topics and problems in public discussions that go beyond the day. This is what the “Darmstadt Table Talks” should be about, where those who make their contribution to the preservation and further development of our society in various places have their say. This time the journalist and publicist W. Christian Schmitt, together with cameraman Werner Wabnitz, are guests of Julian Söller, cultural manager of the Darmstadt city church community.
If Martin Luther, the Bible translator, were alive today, he would certainly long ago be a member of the German Academy for Language and Poetry - and a (further) example of how closely church and culture are linked. And that's exactly what our table discussion in Darmstadt's oldest church in the city center was about at the beginning: What connects church with art and culture? Many things over the centuries. Just think of how many works of art have been preserved in (Catholic) churches. Pictures, sculptures, etc. that were once commissioned by bishops, cardinals or even popes or were the main buyers alongside princes and kings.
But not only about it we talked to Julian Söller, who first wanted to show us the inner life of the city church and explain to us: the altar, the wall panel behind it, but also the floor flap that - after opening - enables the way to the crypt. But that would be something for a later visit. But then: In a church in which the pastors are otherwise in charge and preaching, the cultural manager, who is actually an environmental engineer, tells us how he came to this job as a side entrant and what is part of his work area. It started during the study time. There, under the AStA-roof (where he was a speaker for social and living), he for the first time had contact "with those who arranged events", including demos and readings. Then he "founded an artist collective with friends in Darmstadt"-but the told "longer history" would go beyond the framework here. And at some point the contact came to the city church and to culture pastor Karsten Gollnow. This was the contact person for many years when we talked about church and culture, of author readings, concerts, exhibitions, jazz sessions and the like. For this, the church had approved half a position. Julian Söller has been using it since the beginning of 2024. Church, he explains, "used to be a place of community". And that is exactly where he starts with his commitment to promote a "common experience". In addition, (also) he wants to "create a social offer that covers as many areas as possible".
We talk about cultural funding, about fees to be paid for performing artists, about coordination with municipal and other cultural providers in this city - and of course about how he has settled into Darmstadt's cultural scene. “Right at the beginning,” he says, he was invited to an “artist’s party” at the Bessung boys’ school. Contacts later followed with the SPD's “Culture Forum,” and the Greens also appeared willing to talk. And what about the CDU? “No one came to me,” he notes.
What freedom of action do you have? I ask. Who do you have to coordinate with when developing your own cultural program? You never have “complete free rein”. But he has “confidence that my events are respectful of the location, i.e. the city church community.” Although – the current model politicians demonstrate – “respectful” can be defined very differently. “I am employed by the Darmstadt deanery,” he adds, “but I work in the city church community and have contact with the church council and Pastor Gollnow as well as Annette Laakmann, president of the deanery.” And what is his interim balance? “Mostly positive. I feel right at home in this cultural city.”
When we asked him about his hobbies, he, who also once tried his hand at being a drummer, said the following: “I am a very passionate museum goer and am particularly interested in design, creation and architecture.”
Before we say goodbye, I'll come back to an offer that Julian Söller made to us before the video recording of our table conversation: "If it bothers me that the church bells start ringing in between, I can turn them off too." But that wasn't necessary. Because our dialogue ended on time, just before the bells rang.
About
Julian Söller, born in 1995; Cultural manager of the city parish; from 2020 to 2024 Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Master of Engineering); 1. Chairman of the board of the cultural association prima (2023/24).
The next interviewee is Judith Kautz, owner of the Bessung bookstore.