Lecture and discussion: Sara Burkhardt
Not neutral.
Art education in reactionary times
Predictions that the AfD could become the dominant force in the upcoming state elections are causing concern among teachers in schools and universities in Saxony-Anhalt. The boundaries of discourse have shifted, and racist, nationalist and revisionist ideas are being propagated in schools. This is evident in language use, in everyday communication, and in the visual worlds of pupils.
The lecture aims to outline the current situation in schools in light of the political climate and to highlight possible courses of action. In doing so, it also turns its attention to universities, as this is where the training of future art teachers begins. It is here that they develop an attitude which must later be strengthened and preserved in schools.
We will examine in more detail the subject-specific potential of art education in relation to democracy education. Which artistic works can stimulate reflection; how can pupils themselves become active, intervene and experience self-efficacy? Can tolerance of ambiguity be learned? How do we deal with changing role models, with fears about the future, with the desire for greater participation whilst simultaneously criticising established structures?
About the speaker:
Dr Sara Burkhardt is Professor of Art Education and Art Didactics at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle (BURG) in Saxony-Anhalt. She studied and obtained her doctorate at the HBK Braunschweig; worked as a secondary school teacher in Hamburg; and has taught at the University of Flensburg and TU Dresden. Co-director of the BURG’s collection of materials and currently Dean of the Department of Art.
Date & Venue
19 May 2026, 6 pm
Room 3220, Südbau (Kassel University of Arts)