Symposium "Spot on!"

Right-wing attacks on artists and cultural workers in digital spaces are not merely the result of isolated waves of outrage; they are often part of strategic campaigns aimed at shifting public discourse. These attacks range from hate comments and targeted defamation to coordinated online mobilization, intimidation, and threats. Particularly affected are artists and cultural practitioners whose work engages with diversity, critiques of authoritarian structures, or anti-discrimination. It is therefore crucial to situate the mechanisms and political objectives of these attacks within current debates on digital public spheres, culture-war strategies, and anti-democratic mobilization.

Speaker: Juliane Chakrabarti (Ichbinhier e.V.)

This keynote explores the vulnerability of public arts funding and asks a fundamental question: Is the state obliged to support the arts—and if so, to what extent? Those who believe themselves sheltered in an impregnable ivory tower and rely on the funding practices of past decades may have misunderstood the nature of artistic freedom. The greatest threat to artistic freedom does not begin with overt censorship. It emerges when funding decisions become politicized, cultural institutions come under pressure, and critical artistic work is delegitimized. Rather than asking what art is allowed to do, this keynote examines who will ultimately decide which art is able to be created.

Speaker: Dr. Justus Duhnkrack (lawyer and political advisor)

For many years, the Mobile Counselling Services against Right-Wing Extremism (Mobile Beratungen gegen Rechtsextremismus) have been analysing the strategies, narratives and modes of attack used by anti-democratic actors in the fields of culture and civil society. Their work shows that hostility directed at cultural institutions is often part of a deliberate “culture war” aimed at delegitimising pluralistic, democratic and diversity-oriented positions - and one that is steadily gaining influence. Right-wing attempts to shift public discourse are now well underway in the field of cultural policy. The methods employed range from public defamation and political pressure to intimidation and threats. Drawing on practical experience from counselling and support work, this presentation situates current attacks on arts and culture within broader societal struggles over democratic values and cultural hegemony.

Speakers: Simon Brost (Mobile Counselling against Right-Wing Extremism Berlin) and Markus Kemper (Kulturbüro Sachsen e.V.)

How can we remain resilient and able to act in times of rising authoritarianism, increasing social polarisation and growing pressure on democratic institutions? Particularly within the independent arts sector, where institutional support is often limited, purely cognitive coping strategies or individual self-optimisation are not enough.

This session introduces approaches that understand the body, emotions and shared experiences as essential resources for sustaining political and artistic engagement. It explores how resilience can be strengthened as a collective practice – not as withdrawal or adaptation, but as the foundation for remaining creative, supportive and effective, even under challenging conditions.

Speakers: Re_Connection Collective – Arystan Petzold (musician and music educator), Carolina Márquez (dance therapist and psychologist), Susanne Gärtner (activist and trainer in political education)

In conversation with Dr Claudia Maicher (Member of the State Parliament, spokesperson on cultural policy, Alliance 90/The Greens), we ask about the necessary political safeguards for art and culture, as well as the alliances required in parliamentary work to democratically safeguard cultural freedom, diversity and sustainable support.

Freelance artists and cultural workers who speak out on social and political issues are increasingly becoming targets of online hate, harassment, and right-wing attacks. Independent artists and cultural practitioners often lack the personnel, financial, and communication resources needed to respond effectively to coordinated campaigns of harassment, defamation, or threats. At the same time, social media remain indispensable tools for building visibility, communicating projects, and engaging with audiences and communities.

This workshop explores the dynamics of digital attacks and provides practical guidance on preventive measures, support structures, and strategies for maintaining agency when targeted. Drawing on real-world examples, participants will develop concrete approaches for responding confidently to online hate and harassment, as well as for fostering solidarity and collective resistance.

Speaker: Juliane Chakrabarti (Ichbinhier e.V.)

Defamation campaigns, threats of funding cuts, and strategic inquiries: repressive cultural policy strategies are used to deliberately put pressure on artists, cultural practitioners, and institutions. The authoritarian playbook of the New Right aims at cultural hegemony and targets the relatively loosely regulated field of public cultural funding. A short introduction outlines these right-wing strategies, demystifies demands for “neutrality,” and contextualises current debates in order to strengthen participants’ own positions.

In a direct Q&A session, Dr. Justus Duhnkrack provides answers to your questions. Bring your questions and concrete cases: learn how to protect democratic structures and remain capable of action.

Speaker: Dr. Justus Duhnkrack (solicitor and political advisor)

This workshop is aimed at artists and cultural practitioners who are affected by - or want to prepare for - anti-democratic and repressive forms of hostility, intimidation, or attack.

Attacks on cultural institutions and cultural workers are increasing, including hate comments, online campaigns, threats, and public defamation. Particularly affected are projects and organisations that engage with socio-political issues, diversity, or the promotion of democracy. The workshop raises awareness of the dynamics of anti-democratic attacks and provides practical tools for dealing professionally with threats and hostility. Building on participants’ own experiences, concrete scenarios are explored and strategies for prevention, communication, and solidarity-based support are developed. The aim is to strengthen confidence in action and support cultural institutions and practitioners in their capacity to take a clear stance and respond effectively.

Speakers: Simon Brost (MBR - Mobile Beratung gegen Rechtsextremismus Berlin) / Markus Kemper (Kulturbüro Sachsen e.V.)

This workshop is based on the Re_Connection approach, which combines body-based therapeutic practices with reflection and connection. It brings together a range of activist, global, historical and contemporary perspectives. What role do the body and emotions play in political action, and how can we draw on them to avoid despair? Which practices can strengthen our resilience beyond mindfulness techniques and esoteric approaches that often frame resilience as adaptation and withdrawal?

The workshop offers a practical introduction to the Re_Connection approach, followed by collective reflection and an opportunity for participants to share their own experiences.

Speakers: Re_Connection Collective – Arystan Petzold (musician and music educator), Carolina Márquez (dance therapist and psychologist), Susanne Gärtner (activist and trainer in political education)

Artists, cultural practitioners, cultural institutions, civil society initiatives and anyone interested in promoting a democratic society grounded in human rights are warmly invited to take part.

Attendance is free of charge.

The event takes place in Dresden. The exact venue will be communicated to registered participants after registration.

Trains run regularly to Dresden Central Station and Dresden-Neustadt Station. From there, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes by public transport to reach the venue.

The venue is largely accessible, but not all of the workshop rooms are. Please let us know your requirements when you register so that we can take this into account when planning the rooms.

Drinks and a light lunch (vegan and vegetarian options available) will be provided.

The organisers reserve the right to exercise their right to admit or refuse entry to the venue and to exclude individuals who belong to right-wing or neo-Nazi organisations, are associated with that scene, or have drawn attention to themselves through racist, anti-Semitic or inhuman remarks.

By registering via Eventbrite, you consent to the processing of your personal data (e.g. email address) for the purposes of organising the event. Data processing is carried out in accordance with the EU GDPR and the BDSG. You may object at any time without giving reasons.