Story perspectives

Exhibition Explores Sex Work's Cultural History and Rights

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn presents 'Sex Work: A Cultural History' to explore language's impact on stigma and policy.
It features art, archival materials, and contemporary voices to show term ambiguity like 'prostitute'.
Co-curator Ernestine Pastorello says recognizing sex work as labor supports rights and protections.
The exhibition notes that sex workers have reclaimed language and that 'sex work' was coined in the late 1970s.
It runs until October 25, 2026.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn presents 'Sex Work: A Cultural History' to explore language's impact on stigma and policy.
It features art, archival materials, and contemporary voices to show term ambiguity like 'prostitute'.
Co-curator Ernestine Pastorello says recognizing sex work as labor supports rights and protections.
The exhibition notes that sex workers have reclaimed language and that 'sex work' was coined in the late 1970s.
It runs until October 25, 2026.