Thousands of Voices
For Freedom and Democracy
Democracy is freedom – which means it also involves dialogue, debate culture and the expression of opinions. The “35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall” project seeks to emphasise this point by making dialogue and exchange the core of its programme. It takes the ideas and opinions held by the majority of people in support of freedom and makes them visible to all in a presentation and a book.
Our partners include cultural institutions, sport clubs, associations, businesses and schools. Each partner will invite their communities to join them in examining the Peaceful Revolution and its key values, especially the desire for freedom and democracy, and also to engage in dialogue with others and to express their own values and demands on signs, posters and banners.
How important is freedom – and especially the freedom of expression – as a prerequisite for democracy?
What forms the basis of a pluralistic society, especially considering the challenges we currently face in the world? How can we talk about and give expression to the values of 1989/90 today? The discussion of these and other questions will be open to all, and the thousands of statements and opinions we receive will be showcased in a presentation on 9 November 2024 along a central section of the former Berlin Wall.
Anniversary 9 November
On and around 9 November 2024, these signs, posters and banners will form the basis of a unique, large-scale presentation along the path of the former Berlin Wall. Thirty-five years after the fall of the Wall, the presentation will draw on the words of thousands of people to symbolically overcome the dividing line
that once made its way through Berlin. Visitors will be invited to explore historic sites, honour the actions of people at the time and also commemorate those who died at the border. The presentation of these thousands of statements will be complemented by an accompanying exhibition examining the larger historical context and impact of the Peaceful Revolution. As such, the entire project will not only render visible sections of the former Wall, it will also draw a direct link to the present day by inviting people to take part in events, tours and gatherings at historical sites.
Impressive images and project contributions will be then collected and published in a book alongside essays, graphics, photos, interviews and historical facts relating to the events of 1989/90. The publication will serve as a reminder that freedom is only possible when people are willing to fight for it.