Cultures of Remembrance exhibition
Exploring diverse narratives on National Socialism and World War II
The online exhibition “Cultures of Remembrance” consists of exhibits that deal with the different narratives and questions regarding remembering the Second World War and National Socialism. The works include the perspectives and narratives of Sinti*zze and Rom*nja, Jewish, BIPOC, Disabled and Queer people.
The exhibition aims to show not only different perspectives, methodologies and approaches towards remembrance work but also open an open space for dialogue.
The formats of the exhibits are diverse: soundscapes, art works, interactive maps, games, brochures, comics, etc. along with physical and artistic exhibits. The artists are working with different narratives connected to Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Israel, Georgia, Bulgaria and Germany. Together they ask: How is transnational remembrance possible? The languages of the exhibits vary between English, Russian, Romani and German, for every exhibit there is an English translation.
The exhibition aims to create visibility to perspectives that are underrepresented within remembrance work and education, but also tries to open up for continuities and understanding of history repeating in totalitarian regimes and tries to encounter parallels to recent fights.
When the exhibition took place in Berlin, it had been accompanied by Workshops, Performances and Guided Tours. Some of the results we will also share online.
History of the project
“Cultures of Remembrance” originated as an initiative by non-hierarchical groups from Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and Germany. The project’s primary objective was to critically examine how the memory of World War II, National Socialism, and resistance against it varies across different European regions. Additionally, it sought to develop alternative approaches to remembrance work, especially in engaging young people.
The project embarked on a remarkable journey, organizing four educational trips to Ukraine, Russia, Greece, and Georgia. These trips were central in the project’s development, offering unique insights into various narratives and questions concerning the remembrance of the Second World War in Europe.
At its inception, the project grappled with questions such as “How to conduct remembrance work that doesn’t support national competition?” and “How to engage young people?”. To address these questions, the project held its first meetings of activists and interested individuals in Russia and Ukraine in 2021.
The ideas and inspirations that emerged during these initial encounters led to the creation of a multimedia website and the development of a brochure that outlined methods for conducting commemorative work with young people.
One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the formation of a network of individuals who continued to support each other even amidst the full-scale escalation of conflict. This network collectively explored how historical narratives were employed to justify the ongoing war.
In 2022, the project organized a gathering in Greece after the outbreak of the war. This event emphasized emotional support while recognizing the urgent need to learn from historical moments of imminent danger and critically question prevailing historical narratives. The contributions of participants, generated alongside these encounters, nurtured the concept of an exhibition.
The idea behind the exhibition and our most recent trip to Georgia 2023 was to counter the nationalist memorial narratives with approaches from self-organized marginalized groups. This theme further underscored the project’s commitment to reimagining remebrance work by incorporating the voices and experiences of still underrepresented and marginalized communities.
The project is driven by the love and work of artists, activists and friends and initiated by Educat e.V. A collective for power critical and diversity conscious education, working from Dresden and Berlin.
Exhibits
Workshops
remembrance@educat-kollektiv.org
© 2023 Cultures of Remembrance