Gestures of Welcoming
Series of artistic-participative actions, exhibitions and short films on the subject of flight, expulsion and arrival
In summer 2015, like many others, we were concerned about the crisis in Syria and the subsequent heightened attention paid to those who have to flee war and displacement. We decided to help and reflect within our own restricted possibilities. Our first contact began with a donation of clothes to a Berlin refugee hostel and the attempt to collect donations for a playground on the site.
These actions were followed by a series of artistic activities on the subject; projects for drawing and film, short films and exhibitions. Our goal was to engage in a dialogue and to learn.
Actions / Exhibitions:
- Reading in front of the Volksbühne Berlin during the Literature Festival Berlin, Sept. 2015
- Drawings, photos and films about escape and new beginnings with students at schools in Berlin (Albert Einstein High School, Carl von Ossietzky
Community School, Anna Seghers Community School, Robert Blum High School)
- Films with students of the Academy of Music "Hanns Eisler" Berlin, October 2015 - February 2016
- Workshops, drawings and films with residents of refugee accommodation AWO Refugium Lichtenberg Berlin
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation Berlin, February 11, 2016 - March 31, 2016
- Rathaus Lichtenberg of Berlin, June 20 - August 26, 2016
- AWO Refugium Lichtenberg Berlin, Open Day August 11, 2016
Films created during the process:
- Representations of Escape - film in drawings and title cards, 2016, 3'30 '', digital file
- A Bike To Play With, 2016, 10 ', digital file
- Lichtenberg Cleans Up, 2016, 5 ', digital file
- Temporary Home, 2016, 18 ', digital file