Railway Stories - Artistic Research of the Train Journey

blended course

+++ Due to the current pandemic, please bear in mind that the provided information may change depending on COVID regulations . For more information don't heistate to contact us+++

Many people travel by train on a daily basis. But what if the everyday train journey becomes an extraordinary experience along the railway tracks?

In this two-week intensive course, we examine, analyse and discuss research practices of train travel – both in theory and in practice. The focus will be on everyday journeys as well as on working together to design a practical and theoretical framework for developing our own (art) projects, inspired by these journeys.

Trains synchronized the clocks worldwide. This influences our experience of space and time – back then until today: "On one hand, the railway opened up new spaces that were previously not easily accessible, and on the other hand, it did so by destroying space, namely the space in between points, or the travel area" - Wolfgang Schivelbusch, historian.

In this workshop, we will analyse this travel area in more detail, using different practices of observing. With the help of various media, we will document our train journeys through Thuringia with all its facets: the actual travelling with regional trains as well as the typical waiting periods in between.

The course program also includes visits to exciting places such as out-of-use industrial sites or former signal towers of the Deutsche Bahn, offering us a new, different perspective on railways. In addition, we will deal with inspiring art and educational projects regarding train travel and welcome guests who will present their relevant.

In the second week, you will develop your own projects and (art) work based on the observations and documentations you have made so far. You are free to choose the forms and media that fits your purpose: from photo, video or drawing, text or sound to concept or architectural models – everything is possible. At the end of the course, we will have the opportunity to present and discuss our work during a public exhibition.

In addition to the class programme, we have prepared a varied social programme for you: Meet participants from all over the world during our gaming night, the international food evening, at a joint free visit to the cinema, on a trip to Berlin or Leipzig or when diving into the vast cultural options that Weimar has to offer.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Course leader

Natalia Irina Roman

Target group

This course is open to students with MFA background: MA in Literature / Design / Media / Architecture / Urban Planning / Urban Development / Liberal Arts. Advanced undergraduate students and young professionals in the above fields may also apply.

Course aim

• artistic research
• public art
• site-specific art
• analytical writing
• presentation skills

Fee info

EUR 700: 2 weeks (90 hrs)

The course fee is 700 EUR.

The course fee includes:

• Orientation & Support
• Programme according to description
• Teaching materials
• Bauhaus Summer School ID card
• Free use of buses in Weimar and local trains in Thuringia
• Certificate
• Internet access at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
• Free use of library
• Accompanying programme (except excursions)
• Free entrance to museums belonging to Klassik Stiftung Weimar
EUR 500: 2 weeks (90 hrs)

The course fee for students & alumni is 500 EUR.
The course fee for BUW students is 300 EUR.

The course fee includes:

• Orientation & Support
• Programme according to description
• Teaching materials
• Bauhaus Summer School ID card
• Free use of buses in Weimar and local trains in Thuringia
• Certificate
• Internet access at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
• Free use of library
• Accompanying programme (except excursions)
• Free entrance to museums belonging to Klassik Stiftung Weimar