Annette Kelm Grundgesetz, Vereine und Gesellschaften, 2024

The photograph depicts an open miniature version of the German constitution next to its slipcase in front of a slightly crooked blind. The page is open at the article on freedom of association, the first sentence of which reads: “All Germans have the right to form associations and societies.” On the left-hand side, the previous article on the right of assembly can still be partially read. After all, the prerequisite for forming an association is the ability to assemble. Despite its miniature format, the constitution exudes authority and aura, and its arrangement is backed by the “colorful” social diversity it enables—which is reflected in associations in particular. Associations are places where a wide variety of people can come together and society in all its shades can be lived out—be it sports clubs as places of integration, non-profit associations that work to promote our democracy, or political associations that actively shape our society.