Karlsruhe Dialogues

Concept

The Karlsruhe Dialogues, initiated in 1997 by the ZAK, are an annual three-day symposium, which approaches a current topic of socio-political relevance. The concept of the Karlsruhe Dialogues is unique in that it combines discursive-reflective ways of exploring a topic with aesthetic-artistic approaches within an intercultural and interdisciplinary framework. They thus conform to a fundamental principle of applied cultural studies: the application of a combined approach that links the general consideration of particular issues and ideas with their sensory exploration. Accordingly, the Karlsruhe Dialogues are not an academic conference for specialist exchange. Their methodology differs from the procedures that are typical for this type of event – not only through the integration of artistic aspects, such as theatre, film, readings, and concerts, but also in their approach to the analytical part. In keeping with the concept of public science, complex topics are presented to a broad audience through keynote lectures, presentations on fundamental issues, through statements, discussions, and panel discussions. The Karlsruhe Dialogues aim to promote a critical dialogue and a public understanding of science, as well as an interdisciplinary exchange between the fields of culture, economy, media, and science. With their dialogical, controversial, interdisciplinary, and international approach, they aim to find new ways of facing current challenges.

In order to secure a broad resonance and a sustainable basis for our initiative, the ZAK cooperates with institutional partners that support the Karlsruhe Dialogues ideally and organisationally. These include, amongst others, the Karlsruhe Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe as well as the television channel ARTE. The Karlsruhe Dialogues are substantially supported by the L-Bank (the development bank of the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg) as well as by the city of Karlsruhe.

Chronology

2019 - The Responsible Society: Between Challenge and Overload?

2018 - The (Artificial) Intelligent City

2017 - Pluralistic Society and Its Enemies

2016 - NationEUrope: The Polarised Solidarity Community

2015 - Global DemocraCITIES: Between Triumph and Decline

2014 - World (Market) Society: On Trade with Goods, Data and Humans

2013 - THE ‘IN-BETWEEN SOCIETY’: TRADITION AND MODERNISM IN CONFLICT

2012 - EVERTHING IN (DIS) ORDER? NEW OBSCURITIES IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD

2011 - CAUGHT IN THE NET? GLOBAL GOOGLE-CULTURES

2010 - ORGANIZED CRIME - DARK SIDES OF GLOBALIZATION

2009 - RIGHT OUTSIDE: RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM IN EUROPE TODAY