As part of the Kleiner KunstSommer (small art summer) art series and on the occasion of Warstein’s 50th city anniversary, Warstein-born artist Oliver Schäfer will present his exhibition Women and Democracy at the Great Citizens’ Hall (Großer Bürgersaal) of Warstein Town Hall from July 9 to August 27, 2025.

The exhibition Women and Democracy features portraits of women who stand for courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to democratic values, human rights, and gender equality. Their stories highlight that democracy thrives on active participation and must never be taken for granted.

At a time when democratic achievements and women’s rights are increasingly under threat in many parts of the world, this exhibition sends a powerful message in support of diversity, respect, and social cohesion.

With this exhibition, Oliver Schäfer continues his acclaimed project Fearless Women, which makes political art visible and gives voice to women who have shaped and defended democratic values. Several new portraits will be premiered at Warstein Town Hall.

The opening (Vernissage) will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Great Citizens’ Hall in Warstein Town Hall. Speakers include:

• Dr. Thomas Schöne (Mayor of Warstein)

• Bettina Kramer (Gender Equality Officer, District of Soest)

• Sylvia Lettmann (Gender Equality Officer, City of Warstein)

• Oliver Schäfer (Artist)

From July 10, 2025, the exhibition will be open to the public during regular opening hours of Warstein Town Hall. The venue is fully accessible.

To attend the opening, please register by June 20, 2025 by emailing Barbara Lemm: b.lemm@warstein.de.

About the traveling exhibition Fearless Women

Women and Democracy is part of Oliver Schäfer’s traveling exhibition Fearless Women, which has been presented at various public venues in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2021. Past locations include Grugapark Essen, the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (Düsseldorf), the LWL facilities in Warstein, LWL Clinic Marsberg, and LWL Clinic Gütersloh. Further exhibitions are planned.