For its 2026 annual symposium, the BBK Federal Association of Artists will bring together artists, other experts, and the general public to discuss the role of art in public spaces (KiöR) and art in architecture. The symposium is dedicated to exploring how art in public spaces can be conceived, designed, and communicated today—within the context of social participation, multifunctional urban spaces, political and social negotiation processes, and the demands of planning, use, and the public. The focus is on both current challenges and prospects for a sustainable practice. The BBK Federal Association hopes the symposium will provide significant impetus and new perspectives on public art and art in architecture.
Program for the BBK Annual Symposium, October 9, 2026, 5:00–10:00 p.m., Sprengel Museum Hannover
Schedule (The participating experts will be announced here shortly):
- Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m.: Welcome
- 5:15–5:45 p.m.: Keynote Presentation—Art in Public Spaces / Art and Architecture
- 5:45–6:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion—Art in Architecture in Artistic Discourse?
- 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.: World Cafés
- WS 1 – Art in Multifunctional Public Spaces:
The demands placed on public spaces are diverse and sometimes competing. In this context, art in public spaces and art in architecture are becoming increasingly important. Are specific functions assigned to them—such as fostering identity, serving as a critical voice, or enhancing aesthetics? What range of effects do they have, and under what conditions can they develop freely? How do public art and art in architecture relate to “independent” art? Is this a premier discipline or a field of experimentation that taps into new resources? - WS 2 – Is an Update Needed for the Procedures and Approach to KiöR?:
KiöR artworks—and in particular art in architecture—are created through regulated procedures. Much of this has been standard practice for decades and has proven effective time and again. Nevertheless, it is worth regularly asking how up-to-date these procedures are: How do different types of procedures affect the eventual outcomes of competitions? What relevance do current developments in new artistic formats have for KiöR and art in architecture? How can we better take into account the entire life cycle of artworks? - WS 3 – Visions for Public Space and Art:
Public space is both a contested resource and a field for creative expression. While museums provide controlled environments for works of art, publicly used space is unpredictable—shaped by chance visitors, changing weather conditions, diverse symbolism, and social dynamics. Yet it is precisely this openness that holds opportunities: KiöR can redefine urban spaces, enrich architecture, and open up new possibilities for use. Many people move through public space. What significance do they attribute to KiöR from their respective perspectives? What opportunities can KiöR offer for the city as a social space? How might KiöR and art in architecture continue to evolve? What visions are the participants developing for art in public space?
- WS 1 – Art in Multifunctional Public Spaces:
- 7:25–8:00 p.m.: Closing Panel — Summary of the World Café and a Look to the Future
- 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Wrap-up and get-together for networking
- In cooperation with the City of Hannover, city walks focusing on various aspects of art in public spaces in Hannover will take place prior to the symposium. Start: 2:00 p.m., meeting point: the plaza in front of the Sprengel Museum Hannover. (Further information about the city walks will be announced here shortly.)
Important Information:
Venue: Sprengel Museum Hannover, Kurt-Schwitters-Platz 1, 30169 Hannover-Südstadt-Bult
Additional information: Admission to the exhibitions at the Sprengel Museum Hannover is free for symposium attendees on October 9, 2026.
Accessibility: barrier-free access to the event rooms and wheelchair-accessible restrooms
Directions by public transportation:
About a 20-minute walk from the main train station (1.6 km)
Subway lines 1/2/4/5/6/8/11/17 to the Aegidientorplatz station (about a 700-meter walk from there)
Bus 100/200 to the Maschsee/Sprengel Museum stop (right in front of the museum)
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.