Laurie Anderson

Laurie Anderson was appointed as the Pina Bausch Visiting Professor at Folkwang University of the Arts for the 2024 summer semester. She is an internationally recognized artist known for her groundbreaking work in performance art, experimental music, and technology. However, in January 2024, Anderson withdrew from the position following discussions about her 2021 endorsement of the 'Letter Against Apartheid,' which aligns with the BDS movement. The university emphasized its commitment to artistic freedom while assessing the feasibility of her project.

Academic Affiliation:

• Institution: Folkwang University of the Arts (Essen, Germany)
• Role: Pina Bausch Visiting Professor (withdrew before starting)

Research and Artistic Focus:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration across visual arts, theater, and experimental music
• Innovative integration of technology in live performance and multimedia art

Public Engagement: Planned to work with students across all artistic disciplines during the summer semester, culminating in a public presentation in July 2024. Her withdrawal sparked broader conversations about political expression in academic settings.