“Cultures of We”

Inequality, losses of power, and questions of belonging – the promises made by narratives of globalisation have turned into doubt and insecurity. Nationalism and populism are gaining ground, while the great challenges of our time can still only be solved globally. Is a world that is not divided into “us” and “them” at all conceivable?

Artists, people working in the field of culture and academics will be addressing these questions concerning the future and a sense of community at the “Cultures of We” conference. Do national identities stand in the way of a global world community? Is culture a key for the development of ideas towards global togetherness? Is there a future for multilateralism? How are current debates on nationalism and populism seen outside Europe? Invited guests will discuss visions for the future in workshops, looking at international and transnational communities, global political trends, the influence of culture and the question as to the role of technology for future cooperation.

Participants include Farida Shaheed, Oussama Rifahi and Evgeny Morozov. Chandran Nair, founder of the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT) think tank, will open this international conference.

The conference panels (participation only by invitation) and the public evening event “7 Billion Voices in a Multipolar World” (7.30 pm) are held in English.

register here for the conference

13 September 2017

Kalkscheune
Johannisstraße 2
10117 Berlin

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www.kulturen-des-wir.de

About the project “Cultures of We”

Crises, conflicts, wars … What keeps our contemporary world together? There seems to be no more pressing question than the question as to a common identity, and no concept more ambivalent and topical as that of “community.”

The idea of togetherness is current in social political discourse and debate. What forms of togetherness do exist? What are the limits to togetherness? Who do we mean when we say “we”? Is community just a place in our dreams, just a utopia?

The online magazine “Cultures of We” (Kulturen des Wir) focuses on these questions, exploring answers in a community of international authors – journalists, artists and scientists, taking an approach that is topical, direct and different.

“Cultures of We” is a project by ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), Germany’s oldest organisation working in international cultural relations. Celebrating its hundredth anniversary in 2017, ifa addresses current issues relating to community, diversity and peace, debating these in many events, exhibitions, conferences and publications.