Der Demokratische Wald

Künstler:innensymposium

From 3 August 2026, 20 new installations will be created during the three-week symposium in the area between Böllenfalltor, Goetheteich and Ludwigshöhe, alongside performances, events, concerts and films. As part of ‘Kunst Wald Fossil’, two new projects will also be launched at the Messel UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ‘Democratic Forest’ has been a focus of the Association for International Forest Art (Verein für Internationale Waldkunst e.V.) since 2025 as part of the World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026. Fifty project ideas were submitted for the ‘Democratic Forest Reader’, of which around 30 artworks will be realised. The aim is to give the forest and nature a voice. The design concepts, which focus on social, urban and cultural development, artistically explore the multifaceted aspects of our relationship with the forest, nature and the landscape, as well as their rights.

Over 40 artists from 16 countries are taking part, including Bulgaria, Finland, India, Italy, Norway, Turkey, Hungary, the USA and Germany. The supporting programme includes performances, concerts, talks and guided tours, as well as a children’s play area on Sundays. Everyone is warmly welcome to attend the three Wednesday forums at the International Forest Art Centre (IWZ), featuring talks by the artists.

There will also be public guided tours in the forest, to the Digital Forest and the Forest Art Classroom at the International Forest Art Centre, and to Messel.

Ort: Forstrevier Böllenfalltor, Darmstadt. Der Infostand befindet sich 200 m, hinter dem Waldparkplatz beim Polizeipräsidium, Klappacher Straße 145

Infostand: 22.08. – 04.10.2026, Sa und So 14 –18 Uhr
Ort: Infostand auf dem Waldkunstpfad

Waldkunstzentrum, »3. Digitaler Wald« und «WaldKUNSTklassenzimmer«
24.08. – 02.10.2026, Mo – Do 9 –15 Uhr, Fr 9 –14 Uhr, Sa/So 14 – 17 Uhr

Öffentliche Führungen auf dem Waldkunstpfad
23.08. – 04.10.2026, jeden Sa & So um 15 Uhr. Treffpunkt am Infostand im Wald. Teilnahme: 8,– EUR p.P.

Öffentliche Führungen »3. Digitaler Wald« im Waldkunstzentrum
am So 13.09.2026 um 14 Uhr

Kinderbauwagen jeden Sonntag bis zum 27.09.2026, von 14–17 Uhr

Das Waldbaum-Mikado von Waltraud Munz-Heiliger liegt am Infostand und in Messel zum Spielen bereit. Es kann ausgeliehen und benutzt werden.