Elections are one of the essential features of democracy. The people as sovereign legitimise their own representatives through voting in an organised election. In this process, voters hand over power to their representatives for a limited period of time. Every vote counts equally, at
at least in theory. What at first glance seems simple, in reality often turns out to be a complicated process which deviates in varying degrees from the theoretical ideal. Democracy, even representative democracy, thrives on participation and commitment to a common cause. For many citizens, this participation in the democratic process does not extend beyond participating in elections, partly because their time and energy are strained by professional and family commitments. Some, out of disappointment or disinterest, cannot even be mobilised to vote. At the same time, politicians, political parties and their election programmes find themselves under the influence of various interest groups.

The exhibition [S]ELECTION reflects on the processes and basic conditions of democratic elections in various countries today, and deals with proposals that seek to reduce the gap between the ideal and reality.

Artistic Direction: Janusz Czech, Lisa Schlenker (assistance)
Co-Curator: Eneia Dragomir

with works from, i.a.:

Katrin Bertram,
Kevin Jerome Everson,
Marina Gržinić &
Aina Šmid,
Siu Wai Hang,
Axel Heil,
Institute for Critical
Conspiracy theory,
Nooshin Hakim Javadi,
Julia Lein,
N.N. (nomen nominandum),
Gerardo Nolasco-Rózsás,
Agnieszka Polska,
Tomasz Wolski,
Yongbo Zhao,

agora42 (Articles)

Elections and votes are among the key features of democracy. As the sovereign, the people decide by legitimising their own representatives in an organised election. The voters thus hand over power to their representatives for a limited period of time. Every vote counts equally - that is the ideal. What seems simple at first glance often proves to be a tough process in reality, which sometimes deviates more or less from the ideal. Democracy, even a representative one, thrives on participation, on commitment to the common cause. For many citizens, however, this involvement in the democratic process - partly because their time budgets are stretched by work and family commitments - does not go beyond participation in elections. Some - out of disappointment or lack of interest - cannot even be mobilised to do so. At the same time, various interest groups exert influence on politicians, the parties and their election programmes.

The exhibition (S)ELECTION reflects on the process and framework conditions of democratic elections in various countries today and examines the proposals aimed at reducing the difference between ideal and reality.

Artistic direction: Janusz Czech, Lisa Schlenker (assistance)
Co-curator: Eneia Dragomir

With works by, among others:

Katrin Bertram,
Kevin Jerome Everson,
Marina Gržinić &
Aina Šmid,
Siu Wai Hang,
Axel Heil,
Institute for Critical
Conspiracy theory,
Nooshin Hakim Javadi,
Julia Lein,
N.N. (nomen nominandum),
Gerardo Nolasco-Rózsás,
Agnieszka Polska,
Tomasz Wolski,
Yongbo Zhao,

agora42 (text contributions)

Zoom discussion round from 7 pm

with Janusz Czech, artistic director of the A.K.T.; and Dr Tamara Ehs, democracy researcher and consultant for democracy innovation and political education.
Moderation: Dr Ana Kugli, copywriter and podcaster
Link to participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82643314586#success

Livestream from 20:30

Chamber music rally from "CAMPAIGN" (2016) by Katrin Bertram. Two scores played by Inna Kautzleben (piano), Albert Ginthör (violin) and Norbert Ginthör (violoncello).
Link to participation: https://youtu.be/4e8sAYenkag