In recent years, confrontations with sexism, racism and other forms of misanthropy have led to a discussion and critical examination of the programmes and attitudes of cultural institutions. The parliamentary successes of the AfD in particular have also led to demands being placed on cultural institutions to engage in political debates. In the meantime, however, these demands seem to have fallen into a trap. The term ‘cancel culture’, originally introduced by right-wing actors, is being used more and more frequently. Where events are postponed or cancelled due to political considerations, accusations of censorship lurk. Calls for boycotts and protests arise against collaboration with people or institutions because of their positioning. This causes uncertainty for everyone involved. Where collective organisation and scandalisation are increasingly used to exert pressure on individuals and institutions, the idea of criticism threatens to turn into conformism. Based on a campaign against the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, supporters, opponents and observers of this and similar campaigns discuss the question: does the greatest danger for critical discussions about how to deal with political issues within the cultural sector come from the cultural sector itself?

1 May 2024 7:30 p.m. Panel Opening