German Art Galleries Protest AfD's Cultural Event in Düsseldorf

Over 50 art galleries in Düsseldorf and Cologne have publicly condemned an upcoming cultural policy event organized by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The event, titled “Cultural Policy From the Right,” is scheduled for October 26 in Düsseldorf. The galleries expressed concern over the AfD's alleged appropriation of prominent cultural figures, including postwar conceptual artist Joseph Beuys and poet Heinrich Heine, in promoting the event.

The event will feature a walking tour of Düsseldorf's arts and cultural venues, followed by a lecture from AfD Bundestag member Matthias Helferich. Helferich, known for his radical views, was elected to the Bundestag in 2021 and temporarily expelled from the AfD's North Rhine-Westphalia state branch in 2025 following controversial statements. He has been accused of dehumanizing immigrants and making statements that were interpreted as sympathetic to Nazi ideologies.

The galleries' protest comes amidst ongoing debates about the AfD's stance on cultural issues and its attempts to align itself with prominent cultural figures. The party has faced criticism for its policies, including proposals for the mass deportation of migrants, known as 'remigration.' The event has sparked controversy, with many in the art community expressing concern over the AfD's use of cultural icons to promote its agenda.

The AfD's event in Düsseldorf is part of a broader strategy to engage with cultural policy, an area traditionally less associated with far-right politics. The party's efforts to co-opt cultural figures like Beuys and Heine have been met with resistance from the art community, which views such appropriation as a misuse of cultural heritage.

This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between political ideologies and cultural institutions, as well as the challenges faced by far-right parties in gaining legitimacy through cultural engagement.

**Context:** The AfD's attempts to engage with cultural policy and co-opt prominent cultural figures reflect a broader strategy by far-right parties to gain legitimacy and appeal to a wider audience. The controversy surrounding the Düsseldorf event underscores the importance of cultural institutions in shaping public discourse and resisting political appropriation.