In the CGTN series “Our World” (China Global Television Network, 11 April 2026), Joel Baumann, Professor of New Media at the Kunsthochschule Kassel, spoke about the profound transformation of cultural education in the context of global developments.
In both China and Europe, great importance has traditionally been attached to historical heritage and respective cultural roots. However, against the backdrop of an increasingly globalised pop culture and the growing commercialisation of educational content, Prof. Baumann sees this appreciation coming under pressure. Particularly from the perspective of new media, it becomes clear how strongly digital platforms and international media formats contribute to cultural homogenisation, often at the expense of local traditions and specific forms of expression.
At the same time, Prof. Baumann criticises the increasing economisation of education systems. Subjects relating to cultural education are falling by the wayside, as their social value cannot be directly reflected in economic indicators. Yet it is precisely these subjects that make a decisive contribution to the development of creativity, critical thinking, and individual and collective identity.
Baumann warns that this development could have long-term consequences: a decline in cultural education not only jeopardises the formation of cultural identity, but could also exacerbate existing social inequalities by making access to cultural offerings increasingly dependent on individual resources.
With his analysis, the professor of new media addresses a topic that has been the subject of international debate in cultural and education policy for years: the creeping decline in the significance of cultural education amidst the tensions of globalisation, digitalisation and economisation.
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