SHORT PORTRAIT Thüringer Brückenfeste – Kunst schafft Verbindungen – Lösungslabor e.V.
Women in the Dark is an international art project by artist Franziska Greber that addresses violence against women as a global problem. So far, over 2,500 women from eight countries have taken part in the transdisciplinary and participatory process and have written their experiences and demands in red on white blouses. In a visually striking installation in Berlin, 690 blouses labelled in around 40 languages of origin by women living in Germany are now to be presented.
“The planned exhibition in Berlin will create a platform for an extremely important topic that is given far too little space in the public debate, measured by the number of victims. It positions itself against looking the other way and remaining silent and is not only convincing due to its relevance, but also due to its high artistic quality. Last but not least, its participatory design networks and involves many and diverse women, which empowers them,” says the jury.
3 Questions to…
Nils Volkmann, Project Lead of Thüringer Brückenfeste – Kunst schafft Verbindungen – Lösungslabor e.V.
The ‘Thuringian Bridge Festivals’ project uses art and culture to create spaces for dialogue and understanding in Thuringia’s rural regions. With creative formats such as home painting, portrait drawing and storytelling cafés, it brings people of different generations, social backgrounds and political views into dialogue. Instead of working ‘from the outside’, the project ties in with existing local events and thus promotes trust and acceptance locally. The activities open up new perspectives, encourage reflection and strengthen democratic values through personal encounters. Voices that are often overlooked are made visible and connections are created that promote social cohesion. Supported by the ‘Weltoffenes Thüringen’ network, the project invites people to actively contribute to a shared vision of togetherness.
We would like to use the funding to expand the ‘Thuringian Bridge Festivals’ in order to give more people a voice and make personal stories visible. We create spaces through themed storytelling cafés, accompanied by graphic and poetic journaling, and disseminate the content in pop-up exhibitions and through art in public spaces. The funds flow into fees, material costs and the realisation of the campaigns in order to promote exchange, appreciation and democratic participation in the long term.
A country where everyone is heard and seen – regardless of origin, social status or life path. A Germany that builds bridges between generations, cultures, city and country, and where diversity is seen as a strength. I would like to see spaces in which stories can be told that give other people the feeling that they too are seen and heard. A Germany that creates a new bond through respectful encounters and listening together. I hope that we recognise the beauty and specialness in the everyday and develop visions together for a future of solidarity, justice and life.
