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80 Years of the Ulmer Volkshochschule
Exhibition »impact«
Since its foundation, vh Ulm has had a profound impact on the city – its stated aims were education, political awareness and responsibility. Over the course of 80 years, numerous spin-offs, sub-brands and collaborations have helped shape the cultural and political profile of the Ulm region – with lasting impact.
This term encompasses the defining ‘we’. A word that emphasises what we have in common and thus highlights the decisive factor of vh Ulm: the ‘we’. This exhibition tells the story of this ‘we’. Not merely as a retrospective, but also as an appeal to the institution’s present and future.
Texts, photographs and audio recordings allow the past and present to converse with one another. The thoughts and perspectives of eyewitnesses who have since passed away are also brought to life through voices recreated in literary form. In doing so – always based on historical facts – an artistic space has been opened up.
To make the richness of history visible, we had to condense it at the same time. We are convinced that we are presenting a vivid and multifaceted picture of the diversity and impact of this institution. It is our history – and our stories – that we will one day pass on to the next generation.
Exhibition
vh Ulm, EinsteinHaus
2nd floor
Until the end of July
Ceremonial event
12 June, Kornhaus Ulm and EinsteinHaus
5.30 pm Champagne reception
6 pm Start
Founding
Inge Aicher-Scholl
The Ulm Adult Education Centre was founded on 24 April 1946. It was established by Inge Aicher-Scholl, the sister of Hans and Sophie Scholl, with the support of her husband, Otl Aicher. In the spirit of the ‘White Rose’, she sought to rethink education as the foundation of democracy and a sense of responsibility. The motto at the time was: ‘Get involved!’
Founding & Design
Otl Aicher
Otl (Otto) Aicher, born in May 1933 in Ulm, is one of the defining figures of German design since 1949. He designed the visual identity of vh Ulm. Otl Aicher created over 300 posters for the vh Ulm, which have been on display in the city since the 1950s, including on the stelae he initiated, and which still promote the Ulm Adult Education Centre’s programme today.
variety of courses
Ingrid Hassler
The variety of courses offered by vh is vast and can be difficult to take in at first glance. New courses and formats are added every semester. The customer service team can advise you on the options available. The newly launched chatbot also provides online support to help you find the right course.
Instructors
Maria Magdalena Parra-Allgaier & Klaus Rohwer
The lecturers at vh Ulm are passionate about sharing their knowledge. They come from a variety of professional backgrounds and often have many years of experience. This knowledge is directly incorporated into the practical aspects of the courses.
Meeting place
EinsteinHaus
It became clear early on that the Ulm Adult Education Centre needed its own premises. Inge Aicher-Scholl wrote letters, held discussions and built trust – all to secure this location for the Adult Education Centre. In July 1959, the decision was made to choose Kornhausplatz.
Controversies
Dr. Silvester Lechner
Embracing controversy and fostering dialogue are central to the mission of vh Ulm. It is both a place of learning and a public space, a place where diverse voices are given a platform and social issues are discussed. Allowing for a diversity of voices and perspectives is just as much a part of this as seeking clarity through debate.
Sub-brands
Dr. Christoph Hantel
The vh Ulm clearly stands out from other educational institutions thanks to its concept of ‘sub-brands’ or ‘academies’. The idea is simple and effective: many people feel more at ease in groups that are tailored to their age, gender or shared interests. This creates a familiar environment that makes learning easier.
Spin-offs
Gabriele Mreisi
For eight decades, people have been coming together at vh Ulm to discuss their ideas and turn them into something of their own. Associations, initiatives and groups have emerged from vh Ulm that have shaped – and continue to shape – the city’s cultural and social life. These spin-offs stem from a clear understanding of education and vh Ulm’s role as an open space.
Get involved
Asiya Sabadash
At vh Ulm, ‘co-creation’ means that participants are not a passive audience, but become active contributors. At its events, Club Orange encourages people to engage in conversation with one another. Panel discussions and participatory exhibitions create spaces where participants can share, discuss and highlight their own perspectives.
Future
Nalu
The Ulmer Volkshochschule consistently looks to the future and sees itself as an active shaper of social developments. As a ‘school of democracy’, vh Ulm champions human rights, an open Europe and a responsible society, and, in the spirit of ‘get involved’, encourages people to take a stand and play an active role in shaping the future.
Milestones & Facts
Die Ulmer Volkshochschule: facts and figures
Audio clips
Main sponsor
Sparkasse Ulm: Main sponsor of the exhibition
In the late 1960s, the designer Otl Aicher was given a special commission: to develop a consistent visual identity for the German savings banks. Terms such as ‘corporate design’ were scarcely in use in Germany at the time – yet Aicher implemented them consistently. In 1969, he laid the foundations for the system by redesigning the ‘Spar-Dose S’ logo, which had been in use since 1938 – so that it would ‘appeal more to a new generation’. The bold geranium red remained as the unifying colour. In 2003, the savings banks’ logo was once again very carefully and appropriately updated for the media, and thus still appears clear, youthful and dynamic today.
Supporters of the exhibition
BR Bayerischer Rundfunk
Radio Free FM
Rotary Club Ulm
Rotary Club Ulm/Neu-Ulm
Rotary Club Ulm-Donaubrücke
SWR Südwestrundfunk
Ulmer Bürger Stiftung
Verein Förderer und Freunde der Ulmer Volkshochschule e.V.
Autohaus Wuchenauer
Acknowledgement
Image credits
Dr Martin Mäntele, HfG Archive
Florian Aicher
Consultants
Dr Martin Mäntele, HfG Archive
Ulrich Seemüller, City Archives
Sparkasse Ulm for lending the exhibition panels.
To all the participants who agreed to be part of this exhibition.
To all the lecturers at vh Ulm, and to all staff members over the last 80 years.
Contributors to the exhibition
Concept, research and organisation
Working group “80 Years of vh Ulm”: Dr Christoph Hantel, Henrike Alle, Monya Jabri, Daniel Kanzleiter, Tanja Nova, Florian Schmid, Susanne Steck
Design and Concept
Studio ADKN – Adela Knajzl
Writing
Florian L. Arnold
Photography
Conné van d´Grachten
Audio edition
Christine Rockenfeller
