Joseph Heinrich Beuys (1921 - 1986) was a German performance artist, sculptor, medallist, graphic artist, art theorist and professor at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. He is regarded worldwide as one of the most important performance artists of the 20th century.

In 1979, Joseph Beuys ran for the European Parliament as a direct candidate for "The Greens" and took part in their national party convention in Saarbrücken in 1980. He remained a member of the party until his death.