Kulturland Brandenburg 2012
“Listen to Reason! ‘Friedrich der Zweite von Preuszen’”
2012 marks the 300th birthday of Frederick II (1712-1786). This Prussian king, who was already referred to as "Frederick the Great" during his lifetime, significantly influenced his times and an entire region. Even today, his influence can be seen and experienced in many places beyond Potsdam and Sanssouci. Kulturland Brandenburg will closely examine these traces in Brandenburg in the numerous projects of its 2012 Theme Year, “KOMMT ZUM VERNUNFT! Friedrich der Zweite von Preuszen” (“Listen to Reason! Frederick the Second of Prussia”). These various thematic issues will highlight historical ties that link today’s Brandenburg and the figure of Frederick II. This wide variety of exhibits and concerts, projects in the visual and performing arts (theater, opera, installations), and conferences will provide a regional and thematic focus to “FRIEDERISIKO,” the central exhibit of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg at the Neues Palais in Potsdam.
As Prussia's king, Frederick II greatly determined Europe’s history in the eighteenth century. Goethe’s statement, “Wir waren allen fritzisch gesonnen” (“We all thought like ‘Fritz’”), captured the feeling of the time. Sweeping economic, political, and social changes in Brandenburg-Prussia are associated with Frederick’s name—changes which markedly shaped the Europe of his times. His actions as a statesman, philosopher, and artist have fundamentally influenced philosophical thought not only in his century but also in the present. Yet both the historical figure of Frederick II and his critical reception have always been shrouded in contradiction. To be sure, he stands as the most debated monarch in Prussian history, remembered primarily for redefining the role of the ruler.
Taking these contradictions as a springboard, Kulturland Brandenburg 2012 questions the clichéd images of Frederick as the selfless head of state, power monger, musical and philosophical ruler, talented sovereign, and successful military commander. In Kulturland Brandenburg 2012, you can experience Frederick’s many sides and the ambivalence surrounding them by attending its many art and academic projects throughout Brandenburg.
One of the first highlights is the Fest für Friedrich (“Festival for Frederick”) in Potsdam from January 12-14, 2012. In cooperation with a diverse pool of partners and with the support and supervision of the City of Potsdam and the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research, and Cultural Affairs, Kulturland Brandenburg is organizing quite an exceptional program. It comprises exhibits, theater and opera productions, readings, cabaret, visual arts, illuminated images in public spaces, and much more. On January 24, a public birthday party will take place, which will also mark the official opening of the Theme Year Kulturland Brandenburg 2012.
You can find detailed information about the Fest für Friedrich and all events at www.kulturland-brandenburg.de
We cordially invite you to be a part of Kulturland Brandenburg 2012 and hope you will enjoy your journey of discovery in Friedrich 300.
Your Kulturland Brandenburg Team
