Steinmeier: Kunst ist kein Luxus
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has emphasized the importance of art for democracy during the opening of a two-week exhibition at his official residence, Schloss Bellevue. The exhibition, realized by the Akademie der Künste, transforms the already empty rooms of the palace into a pop-up show from June 13 to 28, before the building closes for several years of renovation. Steinmeier stated that art is not a luxury but an essential part of democratic debate, making different experiences and realities visible. The exhibition includes a 3D scan of Steinmeier himself at 1:5 scale, created by artist Karin Sanders.
This matters because Steinmeier’s remarks come amid what he describes as difficult current debates where the significance of art for society risks being pushed into the background. By hosting contemporary artists in the presidential palace and opening it to the public before a long closure, the event symbolically reinforces the role of art in democratic discourse and public life. It also highlights the ongoing tension between cultural funding and political priorities in Germany.