Berlin (dpa) – After months of renovation, the federally owned House of World Cultures (HKW) reopens its doors this weekend with a celebration under its new director Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung. In terms of its programme, Ndikung describes the work done by the centre by posing a question: “How can we improve the way we live together in this world?” Initial answers are sought in the opening project “O Quilombismo”, which will consist of a group exhibition, research projects, workshops, performances and publications and last until 17 September. Brazilian artist Abdias Nascimento (1914-2011) defined the quilombo settlements founded by former slaves as societies based on solidarity, co-existence and community.
Looking to the future of the HKW, Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth emphasised: “We need to listen to the countries of the Global South.” She said that their art should be put on display and the artists welcomed. “We have to move on from a world where they experienced us as being dishonest about our own values and having double standards.” Roth called for dialogue that was oriented towards a shared concern for the world.
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