There was great interest when Dr. Elke Uhl from the IZKT welcomed the attendees on September 24, 2024, at the "Atelier Leuschnerplätzle." This vacant office space, temporarily used by the project "Future Freedoms" over 4.5 months, provided a venue for future speculations and discussions about the meaning of freedom. Guided by Prof. Maria Mohr and Prof. Peter Ott, students from the Merz Akademie transformed the atelier into a film workshop, where they engaged in dialogues with the neighborhood about everyday practices of freedom in the year 2049. In addition, the format "Stammtisch (Eng. regulars' table): To Freedom!" was introduced. The first Stammtisch focused on biographical questions regarding past, present, and future freedoms, fostering a neighborly exchange. In the second Stammtisch, participants discussed the documentary "Of People Who Climb Trees," featuring activists from the Upper Swabian Altdorfer Wald.
The closing event of the exhibition "Looking Back, Looking at, Looking Forward" marked the final gathering at Atelier Leuschnerplätzle. This was the last opportunity for our guests to visit the Freedom Workshop and learn more about the BMBF-funded project "Future Freedoms" and its upcoming events. Stefanie Stegmann from the Stuttgart Literature House provided information about the poster campaign "A Lane for Freedom!" and pointed out the freedom slogans displayed on large posters throughout the atelier. Michael Herzog’s lecture also captured a lot of attention. The archive educator from the Stuttgart City Archive offered insights into the history of the Stuttgart "Rumpfparlament" (Engl.: rump parliament). Few in Stuttgart are aware of the dramatic story surrounding its dissolution, which followed the failed revolution of 1848 and attempts to promote liberalization and democratization in Germany. Pastor Eberhard Schwarz from the Forum Hospitalviertel Association also reported on ideas for redesigning Leuschnerplatz.
Before the closing reception began, an important note was made: While the exhibition may be coming to an end, the exploration of the concept of freedom is far from over. On October 17, the premiere of the speculative documentary "A look ahead" will take place, created as part of the "Future Freedoms" project at the Merz Akademie.
