Interim report: Strong participation at the opening, panel discussion and art events – Further program items until June 28
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation's democracy exhibition "Strengthening Democracy – Combating Right-Wing Extremism," on display at the Justus Liebig House in Darmstadt until June 28, 2025, is receiving a great deal of positive feedback. In an interim report, the participating initiatives – "Democracy Lives , " "Grandmothers Against the Right," and the regional group of the Economy for the Common Good – already consider the project a success. The art collective MITTEnander is also contributing to the positive response with posters and objects.
Over 100 visitors from politics and civil society attended the exhibition opening. Reinhard Bartmann provided the musical accompaniment. Mayor and Head of Social Services Barbara Akdeniz emphasized the importance of democratic education – especially for young people. Guest speaker Dr. Manuel Glittenberg from the German Society for Democratic Education spoke about the significance of civic engagement for preserving democratic structures.
Participation and dialogue are key
Another highlight was the panel discussion of the Common Good Economy regional group on the topic of "Citizen Participation – Citizens' Councils," in which, among others, Matthias Klarebach (More Democracy Association Hesse), Heike Hofmann (Hessian Minister for Social Affairs), and Katrin Jäger and Jana Freund (Caritas Eberstadt-Süd) participated. In his introductory presentation, Klarebach presented various forms of direct democracy. Caritas explained the structure of the Eberstadt-Süd neighborhood council. Heike Hofmann announced her intention to continue her political advocacy for securing support structures in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The performance “QUADROLOG” by the art collective MITTEnander also attracted around 40 participants . Stephanie Wagner (flute) , Norbert Dömling (bass) , Paul-Hermann Gruner (speech) , and Nicole Schneider (live drawing) used music, spoken word, and digital live drawing to offer creative insights into the theme of democracy.
The program continues until June 28th
During the second week of the exhibition, numerous school classes and their teachers will visit. Other program highlights include:
- June 25: Creative writing workshop and reading with students of TU Darmstadt, musically accompanied by Farnaz Laleh (flute).
- June 28: Closing event with Halima Gutale, spokesperson for the Foundation Against Racism and chairwoman of Pro Asyl. The event will feature musical accompaniment by Victor Pribylov (accordion) .
The exhibition is freely accessible during the regular opening hours of the city library. Further information can be found at: www.demokratielebt.de
(DARMSTADT – RED)
