Fri 23 Jan, 6 pm: Discussions, spoken word programme EN / DE

Sat 24 Jan, 2 pm: Lecture performance, discussions, listening session, concert EN
with Fiston Mwanza Mujila, Koleka Putuma, Temye Tesfu, Lindelwa Dalamba, Heiner Goebbels, Shana L. Redmond, Harald Kisiedu, Doreen Mende, Robert Machiri, Eiliyas, Neo Muyanga, the Freie Richardchor Neukölln e. V., Chor 360°

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The festival concludes the exhibition of the same name and is dedicated to the political, artistic and intellectual legacy of Eslanda and Paul Robeson, two exceptional figures of the 20th century. Their commitment to anti-colonial movements, equality for Black people and internationalism continues to resonate today.

In light of growing social inequality, rising nationalist tendencies and cultural and political narrow-mindedness, the programme examines how artistic practice can open up spaces for criticism, imagination and solidarity. International artists, spoken word artists, scholars and musicians combine historical perspectives with contemporary issues: from the political voice of Paul Robeson and the archives of resistance to Black feminist internationalism and the resonances of these socialist and postcolonial struggles in today's forms of art and activism. The festival examines the role of art as a force for social change.

Exhibition: 14 Nov 2025 – 25 Jan 2026

“Every Artist Must Take Sides – Resonances of Eslanda and Paul Robeson” is a project by the Akademie der Künste in collaboration with the Centre for Humanities Research at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, and the Haus für Poesie, Berlin.