Introduction

Knowledge Society and Freedom of the Arts

In the fields of science and education, the activities of the Heinrich Böll Foundation reflect the change of modern societies towards what has been labelled "Knowledge Society." Knowledge – especially scientific knowledge – has increasingly become a crucial resource and education the precondition for participation in the public sphere. This participation in turn includes the ability to take part in social deliberations about the direction and the limits of scientific and technological progress.

Promotion of the production and distribution of literary and artistic work is a core issue of the Heinrich Böll Foundation's activities in political education. Enabling people to perceive works of art and to grasp their meanings and dimensions promotes intellectual development, furthers citizenship and tolerance.
The freedom of the arts is an indispensable part of democracy. The promotion of openness towards other cultures and life styles is an integral part of our cultural exchange programmes. We regularly invite writers and artists from abroad to stay in Germany for some months.

Dossier

Conference: Radius of Art - Creative politicisation of the public sphere

The conference was designed to contribute to the international discussion around the effects art and culture have on socio-ecological transformation toward cultures of sustainability, in particular on democratisation processes and forms of political participation and social empowerment, political awareness-raising and the forming of public opinion. The dossier offers a summary of the results and suggestions of the conference. more»

Opening speech

radius of art: Creative Politicisation of the Public Sphere - Cultural Potentials for Social Transformation

- February 8, 2012 - We need to understand that alongside the social, economic and ecological pillars, culture is the fourth dimension related to the emergence of cultures of sustainability. We need policies in support of - and in full recognition of-  the cultural potential of art, in particular in social transformation processes. Barbara Unmüßig more»

Publication Series Education and Culture, Volume 10

Conceptual Thoughts on Establishing a Fund for Aesthetics and Sustainability

- February 1, 2012 - We live in an era of comprehensive social transition, in an era of the “not anymore and not yet.” This diagnosis of not anymore/not yet is the point of departure for bringing aesthetics into the debate on sustainability. It is based on the claim that artistic strategies are the best approach in radically open contents and for dealing with gaps. more»

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SurVivArt – Art For the Right to a "Good Life"

- January 9, 2012 - For the SurVivArt project the Heinrich Böll Foundation has invited artists from around the world to reflect by means of works of art and related communications on what the “good life“ means to them and those around them. In February 2012, the works will be presented at an exhibition in Berlin. more»

Interview

Terrorism in Kenya: Remembering the 1998 United States embassy bombing

- October 6, 2011 - During the 1998 United States embassy bombings, the ambassy in Nairobi Kenya was attacked on August 7, killing approximately 212 people. The Kenyan drama film "From a Whisper" portrays the aftermath, capturing the lives of the victims and families who had to pick up the pieces of their lives shredded by the blast. An interview with the films director Wanuri Kahiu. Samuel Dansette more»

• From A Whisper

Art project SurVivArt: Creativity and the Right to a Good Life

- July 14, 2011 - The concept of a “good life” touches many layers of everyday life. Our art project SurVivArt creates an international bridge between sustainability, climate change, gender equity, art and culture. With the support of our international offices, SurVivArt shows perspectives and views from artists from different regions of the world,  mainly from the global South. more»

• SurVivArt: Arts for the Right to a Good Life

Climate Change in Africa: Artists Speak and Connect

- December 2, 2010 - The Cancún Climate Summit is accompanied by a cross continental interactive exhibition. African artists, climate experts and Cop 16 delegates form a larger creative dialogue. The exhibition was put together by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Southern Africa, with support from the COPART movement and the Arterial Network. more»

The American Dream in 2010

21. Oktober 2010 - The hope of improving one’s status, pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps, resonates deeply among all strata of the US population. But does that dream still exist in the Obama era?  By Belinda Cooper mehr»