Akademie Remscheid e.V.
It does not take long to persuade small children, to move to music, to beat a rhythm, to sing along with a melody, to play role games or to paint or to make figures out of plasticine. This is part and parcel of their everyday life and it is at the same time the most powerful motor in their development.
Creative and artistic activity is indispensible in life: for the older child, for teenagers and for adults. During such activities we experience enjoyment and validation, enrichment and development. Unfortunately these natural talents disappear if they do not receive stimulation. It is therefore important that children in nursery groups and in schools, inyouth groups, in music schools and in art schools are encouraged to be creative and to concern themselves with drama and dance and with music and art. And because children and young people growing up today are very influenced by the media, a critical and at the same time chreative approach to the press, radio, television, photography, video, computers and the internet is also necessary.
The Remscheid Academy has, for more than forty years now, had the task of developing concepts in these fields, has given support and provided training. Its first priority is to qualify professionals from cultural work and youthwork to instruct and guide children and young people with competence. It organizes courses, long-term advanced training, conferences and workshops, and it publishes books for use in education.
A second focal point of its work lies in the development of new concepts for the practice of cultural education. For it is especially important that the education of children and young people move with the times and tasks into account the changing framework and the changing interest of young people.
The third task of the academy is to carry out effective lobby work for the cultural interests of children and young people. Of course there are german and international regulations and laws which secure the rights for culture and play and for education and participation. Nevertheless it will need many responsible and creative individuals involved in politics to create the stimulating milieus which are necessary for young people to be aware of their rights.
All of this costs money. Above all: money from taxes, which allows not just the children of wealthy parents receive cultural education. It is the Remscheid Academy’s opinion that: if there is a worthwhile investment for our society, then it is the investment in the cultural education of our children. The work of the academy ensures a rising generation rich in ideas, for the nation, its culture, its economy and its politics.
Most important for us however, is that cultural education helps every young person to attain the abilities needed to lead a good, happy and successful life.
Prof. Dr. Irmgard Merkt
Chairwoman of the Supporting Association
Prof. Dr. Max Fuchs
Director of the Remscheid Academy