In present times of political and ideological division and the rise of authoritarianism on a global
scale, the Wende Museum and the Thomas Mann House are launching a series of monthly
discussions for college and university students to be better able to understand and navigate these
changes and discourses. Topics under consideration include the crisis of truth; the contested
independence of academic and cultural institutions; and the power of narratives to conceptualize
change.

Together with a small team from the Wende Museum and the Thomas Mann House, students
will prepare each session based on a few sources (texts, podcasts, videos). The final meeting will
take the form of a public workshop or panel discussion with specialists in the fields that were
touched on throughout the sessions. The participating students will have the opportunity to learn
about the field of cultural programming by having access to and close engagement with two
leading cultural organizations in Los Angeles. In addition, students will be able to attend
exclusive events at both the Thomas Mann House and the Wende Museum and learn about their
unique missions.

Starting in January 2027, the meetings will take place every last Friday of the month at 12pm at
the Wende Museum’s Community Center in Culver City. Complimentary lunch and drinks will
be provided.

If interested, please send an application letter to Oliver Hartmann (oliver.hartmann@vatmh.org)
and Joes Segal (jsegal@wendemuseum.org) before November 1, 2026, mentioning your
academic background (college or university and major) and a one-paragraph explanation of why
you would like to join this discussion series. Please mention “Student Council 2027” in the email
subject line.