Connections for Friendship

This project invites reflection on the design of our living environments and the nature of democracy through a German-American comparison. Marking the 10th anniversary of the partnership with Franklin, Tennessee, the exhibition builds a bridge between the two democracies and cultures.

Art installations at the Bad Soden cultural center and in the spa park create a network that highlights both the shared values ​​and the differences between our democracies. These artistic elements link intergenerational and German-American events and discussion forums designed to encourage participation. In this way, "Design for Democracy" becomes a dynamic process that brings together people from diverse countries and cultures within the international setting of the Rhine-Main region; it stimulates dialogue and fosters a sense of belonging—elements essential for a functioning democracy and a better quality of life. The interaction between the installation art, the works from the US exhibition, and the visitors is designed as a multimedia experience, featuring spaces for learning and engagement—including collaborations with schools—to make democracy something that can be experienced emotionally through creative activities. The project kicks off with an opening event on September 4, attended by participants from both Germany and the US. Throughout the seven-week exhibition, a variety of events centered on democracy will take place at the Badehaus (Bathhouse), in the park, in schools, and potentially in other public spaces; these will include discussion forums, democracy workshops, panel discussions, lectures, and more, leading up to the closing event on October 25, 2026.

Event Schedule:

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Exhibition Opening: 11:00, Badehaus

German-American Festival

12:00 – 21:30, Old Spa Park (Alter Kurpark)

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Artist Talk: 16:00, Badehaus

Markus Hertle, Pamela Lewis, and Rosario Aróstegui

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Lecture: 18:30, Badehaus

"Franklin – 1799 to America’s Favorite Main Street"

Registration at: franklin.obermeier@ikus-bad-soden.de

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Film Screening: 20:00, Casablanca Cinema

"EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert"

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Mid-Exhibition Event: 19:30, Badehaus

Tobias Landsiedel with choir

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Exhibition Closing: 12:00, Badehaus

Curator-led tour