Reflecting on 2024 feels akin to standing in the heart of a snow globe. As things are shaking up at 1014 Fifth Avenue with construction underway, the whole world is shaken up by pivotal elections, complex geopolitical challenges, and polarized discourse. The prospects for how these shifts will affect our lives swirl around us.

In these turbulent times, we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting trans-Atlantic relations within our space for ideas.

This year, democracy took center stage in our programs. With more elections worldwide than ever before, we focused on critical issues such as the waning trust in democratic institutions and the rising violence against elected lawmakers. We continued our comparative conversation series, Let’s Talk Democracy, curated by Prof. Dr. Alexander Görlach, and launched a new virtual series, Across the Pond – Power, Politics, and Participation, moderated by Dr. Tobias Endler.

We also remained committed to addressing climate change. In partnership with Transsolar KlimaEngineering, we hosted the workshop NYC Apartment Hacks for Climate Action. In a salon-style evening with Claudia Mahler, we delved into Sustainability and Fashion. Additionally, we organized our annual virtual ClimateTech Founders Week in collaboration with Impact Hustlers.

Design, architecture, and technological innovations continued to play a significant role in our space for ideas. As part of the New York Archtober festival, we facilitated the panel discussion Designing Inclusive Futures – Urban Planning and Accessibility. We also explored the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence through a series of engaging events.

Art was another cornerstone of our of our programming in 2024, with a wide array of events highlighting its societal impact. From our four-day music festival Opera & Democracy to the The Sphere exhibition, we explored how artists across mediums create their work informed by political and personal identities. In a conversation organized by Alexander Polzin, we explored the role of public art in our societies.

Over the course of 36 events, more than 1,800 guests stepped through our doors at 1014 Fifth Avenue, joined us at the locations of our generous partners – including the American Council on Germany, the Goethe Institut and the Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin - or participated in our virtual discussions. As a blend of trepidation and excitement swirls around us, we hope that you will be able to find some respite and joy during the holidays.

Thank you for being part of our 1014 community!

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Illustration by Emily Covington