Artistic interventions as a productive interaction between education and the public for more participation and dialogue.
Our Swiss society is diverse. Life experiences are heterogeneous, multiple and characterised by different realities and contexts. What does it mean to acknowledge this diversity? What are the conditions for ensuring social cohesion?
Objective:
The project focuses on migration from the perspective of refugees in Switzerland. Immigration and emigration to other countries, border crossings, as well as administrative processes and discriminatory attributions are decisive experiences.
In collaboration with the association “Orient Express Verein für Kunst und Kultur” and together with students, the project focuses on developing and testing artistic narrative forms about flight. It is not just the reasons for fleeing and experiences on flight that are brought to Switzerland. It is also about experiences with the authorities, the Swiss asylum system, feelings of powerlessness, ignorance, the attempt to deal with long waiting times and contradictions, as well as experiences of relief, recognition, protection, safety and success.
Methods:
We deal with questions of identity, belonging and living together in teaching and a workshop with external artists. Based on life stories, we enter into dialogue with each other and try out different artistic practices. Two public events are planned for the autumn semester, which will feature a film show and the results of the project.
Conclusion:
It is crucial to understand the most diverse biographical experiences – in their thoroughly intersectional forms – as part of Switzerland-specific experiences and a Swiss collective. Recognising this, and being open to dialogue, allows us to live together more sustainably in a post-migrant reality.