Questions & Answers
General
What is DER BEVÖLKERUNG ?
DER BEVÖLKERUNG (TO THE POPULATION) is a permanent art installation in Berlin’s Reichstag building by the artist Hans Haacke, born in Cologne in 1936. The work responds to the dedication DEM DEUTSCHEN VOLKE (TO THE GERMAN PEOPLE) on the portal of the Reichstag building. Since 2000, all democratically elected Members of the Bundestag have been invited to contribute soil from their constituency to DER BEVÖLKERUNG at least once per legislative term.
The concept was developed after the artist was invited to create an art-in-architecture project (Kunst am Bau) for the inner courtyard of the Reichstag building. Even before it was realized, it sparked a major public debate about art and politics, which in April 2000 led to a unique debate in the Bundestag and a very close vote on whether the project should go ahead. Find out more about the history of the project.
How can I get involved in the art project?
Members of the Bundestag are invited to contribute soil from their constituency. Many of them invite citizens from their constituency to join them in collecting the soil and, in some cases, to visit the artwork together. Get in touch with your Members of Parliament, for example via their local constituency office, and suggest a joint activity. You can check whether your current or former Members of Parliament have already taken part under Participations.
Can I visit the artwork?
Yes. The artwork can be seen on guided tours of the Reichstag building. More information is available on the German Bundestag’s website (in German).
Where can I find more information about art in the Bundestag and the Reichstag building?
Everything about art in the German Bundestag can be found at www.kunst-im-bundestag.de (in German).
For Media & Research
How did the DER BEVÖLKERUNG project come about?
After the Bundestag invited the artist Hans Haacke in 1998 to create an art-in-architecture project, DER BEVÖLKERUNG was installed in the summer of 2000 and opened on September 12, 2000, for the voluntary participation of Members of the Bundestag and their constituencies, with no end date. Detailed information can be found in the chronology.
Images, archive and interview requests
Oliver Schwarz (since 1999) and the Werkstatt DER BEVÖLKERUNG look after the image and documentation archive on the history and reception of the art project. We are happy to help with inquiries and interviews, or to put you in touch with interview partners: medien@derbevoelkerung.de
For Educators
How can I use DER BEVÖLKERUNG in the classroom?
The artwork is ideal for art, history, German and politics lessons. It can serve, for example, as a starting point for discussions about democracy, citizenship, art in public space, remembrance culture or the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz). Students and teachers can send inquiries about excursions and workshops directly to werkstatt@derbevoelkerung.de.
Can a group visit to the artwork be arranged?
Yes. The artwork can be seen on guided tours of the Bundestag. Our Werkstatt and participating Members of Parliament from your constituency are happy to help and can, where possible, coordinate or accompany the visit: besuch@derbevoelkerung.de
Collaborations & Events
How can my institution collaborate with the project?
We welcome all collaboration requests, for example in connection with educational programs, publications, events or academic projects. Please get in touch by email at werkstatt@derbevoelkerung.de.
Can you support talks, events, exhibitions or publications about the work?
We are happy to put you in touch with speakers, discussion partners or authors on various aspects of the art project. For exhibitions, we can provide a wide range of in-depth material in various media. Outline your interest in an email and we will be happy to arrange a meeting: werkstatt@derbevoelkerung.de
