Symposium 2024: Munich | Mount Holyoke European Alums

17th Mount Holyoke European Alumnae Symposium

The event offered participants an exciting opportunity for social and intellectual interaction with Mount Holyoke alums and students from all over the world, as well as the chance to meet President Danielle R. Holley. Home to a wide array of museums, theatres and other cultural institutions, the city of Munich set the stage for an engaging discussion on the question of cultural freedom then and now, both locally and globally.

When & Where

The arts and socio-political change: A powerful interplay at the heart of democracy
17th Mount Holyoke European Alumnae Symposium
Katholische Akademie Bayern (KAB), Munich, Germany
November 1-3, 2024, with optional tours and events starting on October 31st

Theme & Program

Why are the arts in their many forms (fine arts, photography, literature, film, music, theatre, architecture, among others) so important? Time and time again, we observe how they can be threatened or used by dictatorships, fundamentalism and other movements such as cancel culture and identity politics. Democracy hinges on preserving freedom of expression through traditional and innovative means and giving society a voice in defining culture. Through keynote sessions and interactive discussions, we explored how the arts can generate dialogue, raise awareness of issues and drive change in the way we see the world.

The main events took place at the Katholische Akademie Bayern (KAB), which warmly welcomes all denominations. It is located along the Englische Garten of Munich, just a short walk from public transportation.

Next to enticing plenary sessions, a Barcamp, and informal workshops, the Symposium program included optional tours and activities in Munich and plenty of time for socializing. On Saturday evening we celebrated our unique bond and friendship with a festive dinner and a benefit silent auction, which featured products and services offered by attending alums.

To access reading materials and speeches, CLICK HERE (password protected).

Catherine Jourdan ‘95
On behalf of The Mount Holyoke Alumnae Group of Germany