For the past few months, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar members have been developing projects with the goal of increasing trust in democracy and science. The aim of the meeting at the start of the semester was to continue expanding the network: »So many people from all over the university came and engaged in direct conversations with one another. This led to individuals who don’t often see each other, but who are involved with the topic of ›strengthening democracy‹, to start talking to one another«, says Dr. Kuch.

Once the topic was presented, participants were able to get to know one another and share their projects and ideas through a »Speed Dating« event; they then expanded on these brief discussions over food and drinks in the Bauhaus.Atelier. Cooperation partners were also invited to the event.

Strengthening a democratic community, examining elections, making diversity visible

Projects are carried out across Thuringia, and sometimes beyond its borders: Students and school children will be producing clay bricks in a historical firing process this summer in Vogtland. This traditional craft is a means to an end: The twelve-day »Feldbrand – Summerschool Vogtland« summer construction lodge focusses on learning social skills through community-building activities to increase democratic solidarity.

Students are examining the 2024 Thuringian local elections as part of the »Thüringen wählt« project: How independent are these elections from state and federal issues? What impact do urban and regional development have? What are the party positions and how are they perceived by citizens? »What are we voting for?« aims to encourage those living in Thuringia to vote: Films produced this initiative will be played in public places in rural Thuringia.

The »FREE_IT« project will use augmented reality to showcase monuments to diversity on the streets of Weimar and »Demokratie in Weimar-West« asks the question: How can local democracy be better organised? So many people in the community have witnessed radical changes and experienced how democracy operates. The exhibition will be presented in various locations and is the result of collecting these experiences with the intention of encouraging more discussions about local democracy.

Further information on »Demokratie stärken« and the network

The thematic website includes news, information on events, brief project descriptions, and information on related initiatives that the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is involved in.

If you are interested in getting involved with »Demokratie stärken«, we encourage you to join the Moodle-Room. Network business cards to pass on to potential cooperation partners are available from the University Communications.

To the website: www.uni-weimar.de/demokratie