With the 25th anniversary of Germany’s reunification drawing closer, we are looking to create a platform for artist-activists wishing to engage with any of the public debates these celebrations throw up, especially with reference to Germany’s history and place/role in Europe and the EU.
The platform we propose is called We and consists of an ‘object-based’ call for contributions - the below video and the ‘objects’ it contains - which we ask prospective participants to respond to imaginatively.
Given the short notice (see dates below), we are at this stage not really looking for new pieces, or pieces created especially for this initiative, although new pieces are of course always welcome. Instead, we are particularly interested in contributors referencing, recontextualising, adapting or recycling existing work. In keeping with the spirit of this initiative, contributors are thus invited to put forward (new or existing) pieces that exemplify, explore, question and/or transcend within a German and/or wider European context :
what a we-thing might be, could be or is,
how a we-thing might be constructed or deconstructed,
how we-things might be appropriated, reconfigured or destroyed, and,
if we-things have been misappropriated, how they might be reclaimed.
About we-things: We-things in our mind include anything from flags and anthems, to embraces and kisses, to guns and shackles. Indeed, almost any ‘thing’, good or bad - including Germany’s public health service and European bail-out funds - can be seen and treated as we-things, if only we allow ourselves and others to do so.
Contributions could take any of the following forms:
Actions and interventions,
performances (theatre, life art, music and dance),
installations, exhibitions or displays, as well as
documentation, recordings and publications
Anything in other words that within a German and/or wider European context explores, exemplifies, explores, questions or transcends we-things and their corresponding we-spaces, however defined.
PROPOSED PROCESS: TWO I MAKE A WE
We is a trans-European initiative that first started in the UK on May the 1st 2015. For its German launch, We utilises the Day of German Unity, October the 3rd, which this year commemorates the anniversary of German reunification 25 years ago. It comes to life in two stages: initial call for contributions, followed by the launch itself.
Call for Contributions: 01.08.2015 - 30.09.2015
We does not filter out or censor contributions in any way. Anyone wishing to contribute is strongly encouraged to do so. We does not have any capacity limits either: the more contributions We can attract the better. Hence absolutely everyone can contribute. Simply think of something that exemplifies, explores, questions or transcends we-things, their construction, reconfiguration, appropriation etc and let us know what you have in mind so that we get an idea of who is doing what and can prepare the ground accordingly (without giving anything away at this stage). To do so, please use the contact form provided here. When you do get in touch, we will also be able (and more than happy) to answer any questions you might have.
German Launch: 03.10.2015
We will be launched in Berlin and across Germany on October the 3rd 2015 to coincide with the celebrations marking German reunification. What form(s) this will take depends on the contributions people make. Below we list some ideas currently under discussion:
Various things happening in different places.
A large gathering or ‘flash mob’ occurring in one spot.
One or more venue-based events/happenings.
Any combination of the above.
Any ideas prospective contributors might have are most welcome. To share your ideas please get in touch ASAP, using the contact form provided here.
