The 'Bauhaus Manifesto': a broad alliance for artistic freedom

On August 20, Germany’s Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, launched the “Bauhaus Manifesto 2026,” a broad coalition aimed at reaffirming the core values of the historic Bauhaus art school and defending them against perceived threats. The manifesto, released through the German press agency DPA, was signed by numerous cultural and civic organizations including the German Cultural Council, the German Commission for UNESCO, the German Bishops’ Conference, and the German Museums Association. Its goal is to uphold the Bauhaus’s legacy of artistic freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and democratic ideals. The Bauhaus, originally established in Weimar in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius and other artists, became a pioneering force in modern design and architecture. Over the course of its existence, it moved to Dessau and eventually to Berlin before being forcibly closed in 1933 under Nazi pressure. Today, the Bauhaus and its associated sites, Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. The new manifesto emphasizes that the Bauhaus’s enduring influence lies not just in its aesthetic contributions but in its ethos: the courage to embrace bold ideas, the value of free artistic expression, and the belief that cultural innovation strengthens democratic societies. According to the manifesto, the Bauhaus represents a synthesis of art, craftsmanship, design, and technology, embodying values such as creativity, exchange, and openness to new concepts. These principles, Weimer stated, continue to serve as vital inspirations for contemporary society. He expressed pride in the Bauhaus’s historical achievements, noting that its legacy remains relevant amid rising political tensions and challenges to democratic norms. The manifesto also calls for the reinforcement of Bauhaus institutions and the recognition of their creative freedom and social openness as exemplary models. This stance appears to directly counter criticisms from certain political factions, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD, which has labeled the Bauhaus a “misguided aberration of modernity,” advocates for a “patriotic cultural policy” focused on promoting art that reinforces German national identity. The party seeks to replace the current slogan of Saxony-Anhalt’s regional government, #moderndenken (think modern), with #deutschdenken (think German), signaling a shift toward more nationalist cultural priorities. While the AfD did not appear among the signatories of the Bauhaus Manifesto, its ideological opposition is evident. The manifesto is framed as a response to the AfD’s vision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Bauhaus’s inclusive and forward-thinking ethos. The signatories argue that the Bauhaus’s principles are especially crucial in times of growing political polarization and reactionary movements that seek to undermine progress and diversity. The manifesto underscores the Bauhaus’s role as a symbol of cultural and intellectual resilience. It highlights how the school’s founders, despite facing immense adversity, created a space where boundaries between disciplines were blurred, fostering innovation and societal transformation. By drawing upon these historical precedents, the manifesto aims to inspire current efforts to protect and expand the freedoms that the Bauhaus championed. As the manifesto gains traction, it is likely to spark further debate over the role of cultural institutions in shaping public discourse and resisting authoritarian tendencies. With the upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, the political landscape surrounding the Bauhaus’s legacy is poised to evolve, potentially influencing broader discussions on culture, identity, and democracy in Germany.