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Innovation in Action: First Activities Launched in the New Carl von Ossietzky Forum
26 February 2025
As highlighted before, the inaugural event marked only the beginning for our dynamic and multifunctional space. Going forward, the Forum will serve as a hub for collaboration, offering a versatile venue for our local Associated Organizations – the Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Hamburg, the State Agency for Political Education in Hamburg, and the Association for Hamburg History – along with other initiatives and institutions. The space will host a wide range of activities, blending participatory experiences with traditional approaches to the transfer of historical and political knowledge.
In November, three exciting events hosted by our Associated Organizations took place, marking an important milestone for the space and the project. Prior to these activities, we ensured that our AOs were fully equipped, offering them an introduction to the space’s furniture, media setup, and essential safety protocols.
The three events organized by our AOs highlighted the versatility of the space: a collaborative workshop for a small group, a lecture arranged with traditional seating, and a panel discussion set in a relaxed, café-style environment for the audience. Together, these events were well received and attracted a diverse crowd of 60 participants.
The workshop, lecture, and panel discussion provided valuable moments for reflection, allowing us to evaluate the space’s layout and design to ensure it meets the needs of our target audiences. Feedback highlighted a few practical additions, such as a coat rack, multi-socket outlets, and a clearer wayfinding system through the library to the space. Thankfully, we had already allocated budget for these updates and are actively working on the wayfinding system. While we had another evaluation workshop planned with the project team, PR team, and local partners, it was postponed until spring 2025, building excitement for the next phase of development.
Currently, the space is bustling with long-term activities, including a series of workshops for students that explore party programs in the lead-up to municipal and federal elections (Wahl-O-Mat), as well as a participatory exhibition planned for March and April. As a result, we are unable to offer regular opening hours at this time, but we’re excited about the continued development of upcoming activities.