German Spring in Tallinn 2017
The cuckoo clock in a digital society

Germany and Estonia are closely connected by a mutual history and culture, as well as their long and amicable political and economic relations. In the German Spring, events centred on art, culture, business, science and the German language will present a diversified programme being realized together by the Goethe-Institut Tallinn, the German Embassy in Tallinn and many other partners.
From 25 April until 25 May 2017, Baden-Württemberg will be the partner state focused on by the German Spring in Tallinn. Eva Marquardt, director of the Goethe-Institut Tallinn, emphasized, “Baden-Württemberg is the home of the cuckoo clock and of Mercedes Benz. The large state in Germany’s southwest is distinguished by great innovative power and is the seat of outstanding cultural institutions. We are very happy to have gained such a strong partner as Baden Württemberg for the German Spring.”
OPENING WITH JAZZ AND ART
The German Spring will open with a concert by jazz pianist Kristjan Randalu. For the International Jazzkaar Festival, Randalu and his five-piece ensemble Limes Occidentalis dedicate themselves musically to the current events of the world; in particular the refugee movement to and around Europe.
While digital forms of communication have been regarded as the hope of new democratic participation, they have recently been abused as door openers for perfect surveillance. “Knowledge is power. But those who master the flow of information possess even more power. This is particularly true in the digital culture in which all information in the global network can be monitored and manipulated in an uncontrollable way,” says curator Bernhard Serexhe. Further information will be provided in this context in an online theme room on the website of the Goethe-Institut Tallinn. Guided tours, workshops and a film and podium event will accompany the exhibition.
Event for a young audience and for movie fans
In addition to music and art, the German Spring in Tallinn also offers school projects and readings. The Youth Debates Internationally contest will take up current political and social topics. The Lautstark music project is for Estonia’s youngest leaners of German. Also, together with the VAT Theatre, play readings are being held especially for children and teenagers.

THEATRE AT THE END
Finally, two theatrical productions will conclude the German Spring in Tallinn. In late May, Chris Kondek and Christiane Kühl will join up with Estonian artist in the new, multimedia production Distinguishing Marks, which critically explores Estonia’s e-government data world.