From the perspective of Hesse’s Culture Minister Timon Gremmels, the documenta art exhibition in Kassel, which came under criticism after allegations of anti-Semitism, can take place as planned in 2027. “For me it’s about giving the documenta a perspective,” said the SPD politician to the dpa in Berlin.
“If we have selected an artistic concept or artistic direction by the end of the year, we can certainly set up the documenta as a global exhibition in two and a half years.” The documenta, organized every five years, is alongside the Venice Biennale as the most important international presentation of contemporary art.
New artistic direction soon
“It is important to me to maintain the character of the documenta as a local exhibition in Kassel – rooted in the city, grown out of the city, with global aspirations for the world, for an international audience,” said Gremmels. He advocates quick solutions. “We need a decision on the new artistic direction as soon as possible.”
The prerequisite for this is a new search committee that can present an artistic director by the end of the year. “Then there are still two and a half years left so that the next documenta can start in the summer of 2027. That is an ambitious schedule that depends on a number of factors. I am sure that everyone involved will strive to realize this goal.”
Two years ago, documenta fifteen was overshadowed by discussions of anti-Semitism. After allegations of anti-Semitism were made against a member of the search committee for the next edition of the exhibition, this member and later the entire search committee resigned.
No anti-Semitism under the guise of artistic freedom
The discourse on artistic freedom in the art and culture sector must be conducted from different perspectives, said Gremmels. “We, with our special German history, have a special responsibility.”
The minister also said: “One must take seriously the concern that representatives of the art world will not even come to Germany to curate or plan an exhibition because artistic freedom is supposedly restricted.” Artistic freedom is a very valuable asset.
“As the responsible minister, I also see myself as a defender of this article of the Basic Law. But it is also clear that there should be no anti-Semitism under the guise of artistic freedom.”
documenta Initiative
