Früher oder Später [Sooner or Later]

Früher oder Später [Sooner or Later] launches Werkleitz’s exploration of time, addressing current questions of intergenerational equity and futures that are slipping away. From invocations of a turning point in history to calculations of how many months, weeks or days our energy reserves will last, from expiring ultimatums to talk of having to work longer, the theme of time is attracting renewed attention. Against this backdrop, we wanted to ask a wide range of people how they themselves think about time. Well before the start of the 2026 Werkleitz Festival, we put out a call: we were looking for 100 works of art on the theme of time.
From the submissions, we now present an impressive selection of artistic works, including films, photographs, poems, textile objects, audio pieces, paintings and sculptures. In addition, together with eight tandems – each made up of a younger and an older adult – we are venturing into the experimental realm of intergenerational conversation. In their regular meetings, the tandems also discuss their views of time and the future. They will share their insights at the Werkleitz Festival. The curated film programme for Früher oder Später, expanded to include screenings for children, will be presented at Puschkino.

At the Werkleitz Festival 2026, the AfA presents itself with the annual theme Generations.