Second Pina Bausch Professor appointed at the Folkwang University of the Arts

Throughout her eventful artistic career, Laurie Anderson has created groundbreaking works – in visual arts, theatre, experimental music and technology alike. She has done countless multimedia stage performances, published ten books and been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Laurie Anderson is celebrated for her innovative work, fusing music, performance art, and technology that push the boundaries of artistic expression. Her visual work is held in very high regard internationally; just recently, her most extensive individual exhibitions to date were featured at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington DC and at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm. Anderson is currently working on an opera, ARK, for the 2024 Manchester International Festival.

The Pina Bausch Professorship provides an opportunity for internationally acclaimed artists from all disciplines to spend a year at the Folkwang University of the Arts as a guest professor, collaborating with the students to develop new work methods and applying mindsets and research approaches that transcend all boundaries. The Pina Bausch Professorship is made possible by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Comments on the new appointment for the Pina Bausch professorship:

Laurie Anderson_ second holder of the Pina Bausch Professorship:
‘It’s the greatest honor to hold this professorship in the name of Pina Bausch who has inspired me with her courageous dazzling and revolutionary work. I hope to be able to direct young artists and thinkers along paths that follow her lead.’

Prof. Dr. Andreas Jacob_ President of the Folkwang University of the Arts:
‘We are delighted to have found the perfect candidate to continue the Pina Bausch Professorship at Folkwang in the form of Laurie Anderson. She perfectly embodies our vision of an interdisciplinary approach for the professorship. As an artist well versed in so many different fields, Anderson will be able to help our students gain their own specific experiences in handling transdisciplinarity and artistic bravery. This once again underlines the unique opportunities offered by the Folkwang University of the Arts courses and the interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts.’

Ina Brandes_ Minister of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia:
‘I am delighted that Laurie Anderson agreed to work with the Folkwang University of the Arts. Following on from Marina Abramović last year, the Folkwang University of the Arts has once again been able to secure a leading international artist for the Pina Bausch Professorship. Germany’s second largest university for art and music is acclaimed on the global stage and is a unique centre for learning. The collaboration with Laurie Anderson will bring the students further benefits to complement what is already an excellent education pathway. She is an outstanding artist who has been influencing various disciplines for decades. And this fits perfectly with the interdisciplinary approach pursued by the Folkwang University of the Arts!’

Salomon Bausch_ Founder and CEO of the Pina Bausch Foundation:
‘My intention for this professorship is to open up new horizons for students. This is exactly what Laurie Anderson is all about. Students will work outside of their usual patterns and open up new perspectives.’

*Internal applications for Folkwang students, with full project details, will open shortly.*

Groß / 11. January 2024