The network meetings have usually taken place annually since 2018 and are a good opportunity for all members of the Gutenberg Academy Fellows Program (GAFP) to meet in a relaxed atmosphere. Active members and former members can exchange ideas and get to know each other during an interesting program followed by a buffet. The aim of this event is to maintain and build relationships and to strengthen the cohesion of the GAFP.

Despite changeable weather this year, our members went to the largest area monument in the city of Mainz, the citadel, with our tour guide, the head of the old town, Brian Huck, and experienced Roman times, the Middle Ages and modern times above and below ground (casemates) on the compact site with a unique view of the city. Afterwards, a glass of wine, Spundekäs cheese, bread and pretzels provided the opportunity to meet and chat in the Michel wine house.

Despite the “bad weather”, our members went on a walk through the old town of Mainz at the end of the year to follow in the footsteps of National Socialism. Afterwards, there was an opportunity to meet and chat over warm drinks, focaccias and cake at Café Blumen.

As part of this meeting, Dr. Sascha Köhl and Leonie Köhren gave an exciting architectural tour of the campus, during which the central canteen, the Muschel and the Faculty of Natural Sciences were visited. These are three buildings on the university campus that are of particular architectural interest and are therefore considered by some experts to be worthy of protection. Afterwards, there was an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas over a snack in the School of Vision. Other experts from among the members of the Association for Post-War Modernist Architecture in Mainz were also welcomed. As their focus is on the future of campus expansion and the preservation of buildings, the members of the association provided information on local campus architecture and current developments.

On Friday, June 8, 2018, the first network meeting took place at the University of Music. Junior members, senior members and alumni as well as alumnae took part in the network meeting. The highlight of the event was the exclusive organ concert by our alumna Anna Pikulska, during which she not only played two different organs, but also gave the participants various impressions of the sound and function of the instruments. After the concert, members had the opportunity to meet and chat.